Description
A vibrant and flavorful Broccoli Pasta Shells recipe that combines roasted broccoli and garlic with fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan to create a creamy pesto sauce. This dish is easy to prepare, packed with nutrition, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 garlic clove, unpeeled
- ½ small pack parsley
- ½ small pack basil
- ½ lemon, zested and juiced
Pantry & Nuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 250g pasta shells
- 30g toasted pine nuts
Dairy
- 30g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Broccoli: Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the broccoli florets and unpeeled garlic clove in 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a roasting tray. Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is softened and slightly browned.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted boiling water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto: Tip the parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and parmesan into a blender. Once the broccoli is roasted, squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin and add it along with the rest of the broccoli (except a few small pieces reserved for garnish) into the blender.
- Blend the Sauce: Pulse the blender ingredients until smooth to form a pesto sauce. Season well with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Combine the drained pasta with the pesto sauce in a large bowl. Add the reserved broccoli florets and toss gently to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Divide the pasta between two bowls. Top with extra parmesan, lemon zest, and a good grind of black pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- To enhance flavor, toast the pine nuts lightly before adding to the pesto if they aren’t already toasted.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian parmesan or nutritional yeast as a substitute.
- Reserve a few broccoli florets before blending to maintain some texture in the dish.
- You can add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of pasta cooking water while blending the pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: broccoli pasta, pasta shells, roasted broccoli, broccoli pesto, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta dish
