Creamy Broccoli Pesto Pasta: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Elevate your pasta game with this quick and easy Broccoli Pesto Pasta recipe! It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies while enjoying a classic Italian flavor. Discover how to customize this top-rated dish with different nuts, fresh herbs, and more.
Pesto, that beloved Italian sauce, has seen countless variations. From the traditional, my mom Noni’s famous Basil Pesto Pasta, to creative twists like asparagus pesto, pea pesto, and even pistachio pesto, the possibilities are
endless.
Now, it’s broccoli’s turn to shine! This creamy Broccoli Pesto Pasta recipe is the ultimate way to boost
your and your family’s veggie intake. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
The Best Nuts and Seeds for Pesto
While pine nuts are the traditional choice for pesto, don’t be afraid to experiment! Many nuts and seeds can add a unique
flavor profile to your sauce. Here are a few excellent options:
- Almonds: Offer a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Pecans: Provide a rich, buttery flavor.
- Pistachios: Add a vibrant green color and a slightly sweet, earthy taste.
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): Offer a nutty, slightly savory flavor.
- Walnuts: Contribute a robust, earthy taste.
When choosing your nuts or seeds, consider toasting them lightly to enhance their flavor and aroma. This simple step can
make a big difference in the overall taste of your pesto.
How to Make Broccoli Pesto: Beyond the Basics
Creating broccoli pesto is surprisingly simple. Just blanch the broccoli florets briefly to soften them, then combine them
with your choice of nuts or seeds, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a touch of seasoning in a food
processor or blender.
But don’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different leafy greens to create your own unique pesto variations.
Kale, arugula, mint, and parsley all work wonderfully in pesto. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of different
greens for a complex and flavorful sauce.
If you’re using kale, remember to blanch it first to tenderize the leaves and ensure a smoother puree. This step is
crucial for preventing a bitter taste and achieving the perfect pesto consistency.
Adjust the amount of olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. For a creamier pesto, add a bit more oil. For a thicker
pesto, use less oil.
Versatile Ways to Use Pesto: More Than Just Pasta Sauce
Pesto is far more than just a pasta sauce! This flavorful puree can be used in countless ways to add a burst of flavor to
your meals. Here are some creative ideas:
- Mix it into mayo for a delicious spread or dip for sandwiches, crudités, chips, and more. Transform
ordinary mayonnaise into a gourmet delight. - Slather it atop pizza then pile on the mozzarella. Pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to your pizza
that complements the cheese perfectly. - Dollop it atop soup for a burst of flavor. A spoonful of pesto can elevate a simple soup to a
restaurant-worthy dish. - Swap it in for oil or butter when making Pesto Eggs on Cheesy Toast. This is a quick
and easy way to add a ton of flavor to your breakfast. - Pair it up with marinara in Easy Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups. The combination of pesto and marinara creates a delightful symphony of flavors.
Pesto can also be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. Simply coat your protein or vegetables in pesto and
let them marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse them with incredible flavor.
Another great way to use pesto is as a topping for grilled or roasted vegetables. Toss your cooked vegetables with pesto
for a quick and flavorful side dish.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ways to use pesto. The possibilities are endless!
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Broccoli Pesto Pasta
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