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Broccoli Pesto Pasta

easy broccoli pesto pasta
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This Broccoli Pesto Pasta is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Pair with chicken for extra protein and customize with your favorite veggies. 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 2–3 cloves garlic (depending on how strong you want the garlic flavor)
  • 1/3 cup oil (avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1/3 cup pepitas (or pine nuts or sunflower seeds)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
  • pasta
  • 1 box orecchiette pasta, boiled
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  2. Add 2 cups broccoli and let cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to stop cooking.
  4. Add pasta to the water and cook according to package directions.
  5. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine basil, garlic. oil, pepitas, parmesan and drained broccoli and process until smooth.
  6. When pasta finishes cooking, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  7. To finish pesto, add 1/4 cup pasta water to the food processor and process until smooth.
  8. Taste and add salt as desired. Add remaining pasta water if you want the pesto a little thinner.
  9. Toss desired amount of pesto with pasta and serve.

Find it online: https://www.theleangreenbean.com/broccoli-pesto-pasta/