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+ servings
Merry

Creamy Lemon Broccoli Pesto Penne

Brighten your dinner table with this Lemony Broccoli Pesto Pasta! A quick, creamy, and vibrant dish featuring zesty lemon, fresh basil, and nutrient-packed broccoli. Perfect for weeknights or a special occasion, this pasta recipe is as healthy as it is delicious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked pasta mezze rigatoni recommended
  • 2 ½ cups 8 ounces broccoli florets
  • 1 cup 1 ounce fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
  • 1 cup 1 ounce freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
  • cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • 1 large handful 2 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • 1 large lemon zest and juice
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Method
 

  1. Boil the water: Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, until tender. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a food processor. Keep the water boiling for the pasta.
  3. Cook the pasta: Add the pasta to the same pot and cook until al dente.
  4. Prepare the pesto: To the food processor, add basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, spinach, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend while drizzling in olive oil until smooth. Add ¼ cup of starchy pasta water and pulse until creamy.
  5. Combine: Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of starchy water. Toss the pasta with the broccoli pesto. Add starchy water as needed for a creamy consistency.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly-ground black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pasta Options: Short pasta like rigatoni or penne works best for this recipe.
  • Customizations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

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