Menu

Spaghetti al Pesto di Broccoli (Broccoli Pesto Spaghetti)

Italian30 Minutes
Punchline

Elevate your dinner with a vibrant twist on traditional pesto, packed with nutritious broccoli – a delightful comfort dish that's both easy and delicious!

ingredients
spaghetti300grams
broccoli200grams
olive oil60milliliters
parmesan cheese50grams
pine nuts30grams
garlic2clove
lemon1piece
saltto taste
black pepperto taste
instructions
    1

    Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 300 grams of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente.

    2

    While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Chop 200 grams of broccoli into small florets and steam for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.

    3

    In a blender or food processor, combine the steamed broccoli, 60 milliliters of olive oil, 50 grams of grated parmesan cheese, 30 grams of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, juice from 1 lemon, salt, and black pepper to taste. Blend until smooth, adding a little pasta cooking water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

    4

    Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.

    5

    In a large pan, combine the drained spaghetti with the broccoli pesto. Toss everything together and add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired sauce consistency.

    6

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Servings

4

How to be creative
  • Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy touch.
  • Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Important Tips
  • Make sure to blend the pesto until it’s completely smooth for an even texture.
  • Toast the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto for a deeper flavor.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, adding more lemon juice for brightness if needed.
nutritions
  • fat: 25 grams
  • carbs: 70 grams
  • fiber: 5 grams
  • protein: 20 grams
  • calories: 550
Health impact

This dish provides a balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats, while the broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious meal choice.