Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This broccoli pesto pasta is the kind of dinner we make when we want something vibrant, comforting, and full of flavor, but still simple enough for a busy weeknight. We add in our nutrient dense and tasty Broccoli Pesto along with sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted garlic, and pine nuts. It’s a burst of freshness... Read More The post Broccoli Pesto Pasta appeared first on Two Purple Figs.

We LOVE a good pasta dinner more than anything! This recipe was inspired by a dish we tried on vacation, and we couldn’t stop craving it since!

It starts off with a simple and fool proof Broccoli Pesto or Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. If you use the sun dried tomato pesto, add in the broccoli in the pasta as a veggie, and vice versa.

As with many of our pesto pasta recipes like this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, the sauce relies on using the pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese and pasta cooking water instead of heavy cream or butter.

In this article or guide, we will cover the step by step to make this at home in a breeze! If you have broccoli in your fridge, this is one of the best ways to turn it into a full, satisfying meal in about 30 minutes.

What Is Broccoli Pesto Pasta?

Broccoli pesto pasta is a modern twist on classic pesto pasta, where broccoli replaces part of the basil in the basil pesto sauce.

This nutrient dense and tasty sauce acts as the sauce for cooked pasta, preferably linguine or fettuccine. Alongside the pesto, we add in some fragrant Italian ingredients for taste and texture.

This includes but not limited to sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, baby spinach, lots of parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts and capers. You can add more or less of what you like here, and use this recipe as an inspo!

This recipe is proof that simple is best! And this easy pasta dish is SOOO much better than ordering or eating out! It tastes fresh and light, but rich in flavor and texture.

Why You’ll LOVE Broccoli Pesto Pasta Recipe

Absolutely delicious and tasty!
It’s creamy without any cream, using a simple trick of pasta water and parmesan!
This pasta uses a whole head of broccoli and even broccoli haters will love it!
It takes overall no more than 30 minutes to make, and it needs just one pot of cooking.
This recipe is truly a full meal for vegetarians, and if you add extra meat protein it still feels light
We love easy to customize recipes that you can add your personal touches to, and this is one of them.
Leftovers are a dream, so go ahead and make a large batch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli Pesto. You can make it using fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli, read that guide for step by step and for the full recipe.
Pasta: We love long pasta as it rolls around the sauce beautifully! However if you only have short pasta, it works as well.
Pasta water. This is the boiling water that was used to boil the pasta in. Reserve about 1 cup to 2 cups of the water after you drain the pasta, and use it in the recipe.
Garlic: You can use fresh or Roasted Garlic for a sweet rich and intense garlic taste.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It’s great for drizzling over the finished pasta, and for emulsifying the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds saltiness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce.
Sun dried tomatoes. It adds a sweet and rich taste along with a pleasant chewy texture.
Mushrooms. We used cremini mushrooms but you can use any type you have.
Baby Spinach. Optional for color, or use fresh basil leaves.
Nuts. Toasted pine nuts added at the end is the perfect complimentary crunch and flavor to any pesto dish! You can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Lemon. Lemon zest or lemon juice brightens this recipe so much!

How to Make Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Make the Broccoli Pesto

Prepare the broccoli pesto first or ahead of time and bring it out to room temperature.

Prepare the Pasta

In a pot of boiling water, add the pasta of your choice and follow the cooking time directions on the package for al dente.
Drain the pasta in a colander while persevering the pasta water.

Make the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, make the sauce in a sauce pan over medium heat.
Add in the olive oil, roast garlic and mash lightly to infuse the base with flavor.
Add in the mushrooms and cook over high heat until golden.
Now add in the sun dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
Lower the heat and add in the spinach if using, and the cooked pasta.
Toss the mixture well and add n some parmesan cheese, along with 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
keep mixing the pasta, adding in alternate amounts of pasta water and parmesan while mixing until you’ve reached the creamy and saucy level of your taste.
Add at the point add in the lemon zest for a bright kick and finish with the toasted pine nuts. Dollop the broccoli pesto along the tops and sides of the dish, or toss it in if you prefer.
For a more elevated finish, drizzle in some olive oil on top and a sprinkle of chili flakes, SO GOOD!

Expert Tips for Broccoli Pasta

Prepare the pesto ahead of time for a quick dinner option. Pesto keeps so well in the fridge so it’s a great way to use it!
Use more vegetables in the pasta if you like and get some inspiration from our cooking class favorite, this Pasta Primavera!
Don’t overcook the pasta!
When you cook the pasta, make sure the pasta water is reserved as it contains starch from the pasta which thickens the sauce.
Make sure to gradually blend the pasta water with the parmesan when making the sauce and stop when you reach the consistency you want.
For a richer flavor, use Roasted Garlic instead of fresh, and use fresh lemon instead of bottled.
Add in some chicken to this pasta, whether it’s store bought rotisserie chicken or Chicken Spiedini, Chicken Scallopini or Chicken Caprese for a five star meal!
You can likewise add in some steak as it pairs beautifully here. Our Filet Mignon Recipe is extra sophisticated, Ribeye Steak or Best NY Strip Steak work great. Don’t miss our Reverse Sear Steak which is the BEST way to cook any steak!
Veal Chops or Veal Scallopini are great pairing options here too!

What Does Broccoli Pesto Pasta Taste Like?

Broccoli pesto pasta is creamy, savory, and slightly nutty with a fresh green flavor. The broccoli gives a mild sweetness and earthy depth, while garlic and Parmesan add richness and umami. The nuts bring body and texture, and lemon keeps everything bright and balanced.

Variations on Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Creamy Broccoli Pesto Pasta: Add a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
Broccoli Pesto Chicken Pasta: Use one of our chicken recipes above.
Broccoli Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Follow our Scallop Pasta recipe!
Vegan Broccoli Pesto Pasta: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Add extra olive oil and lemon for flavor.

Why is my sauce watery?

Too much liquid was added. Simmer gently with pasta to reduce and thicken.

How to Store Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
Warm gently on the stovetop stirring occasionally. You can likewise war, in the microwave.

Is Broccoli Pesto Pasta Healthy?

This dish can be a balanced, nutrient rich meal depending on portion size and ingredients. Broccoli provides fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Olive oil adds healthy fats, while nuts contribute protein and additional nutrients. Parmesan adds calcium and protein.

To make it lighter, reduce the cheese or oil slightly. To make it more filling, add chicken, shrimp, or steak.

Is broccoli pesto the same as regular pesto?

Not exactly. It follows the same structure but uses broccoli as the main green ingredient instead of basil.

Can I make broccoli pesto ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a little olive oil or water when reheating to loosen it.

Can I freeze broccoli pesto Pasta?

You can freeze the broccoli pesto in small cubes of in a baking sheet, however the pasta shouldn’t be frozen.

Pasta Recipes