Delicious Broccoli Pesto Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Broccoli Pesto Pasta — a italian recipe (main course) with 8 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

30

Total Time (min)

2

servings

1208

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Broccoli Pesto Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Ingredients

Servings:
2
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup pine nuts (toasted)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 1 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare the Broccoli

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender.

    Do not overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
  2. Blend the Pesto

    In a food processor, combine cooked broccoli, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

    You can add more olive oil if the pesto is too thick.
  3. Cook the Pasta

    In the same boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

    Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Combine Pasta and Pesto

    Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the broccoli pesto and mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve

    Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

    Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free. Diet: Balanced, High-Fiber

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Garlic bread
🍽️Caesar salad
🍽️Roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Delicious Broccoli Pesto Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Meal is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 30 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

2 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium300mgmg
Total Carbohydrates60gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein15gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineItalian