Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Tiffani Thiessen

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets 
  • 1 packed cup basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated or shaved Parmesan 
  • 1 meyer lemon, zested and juiced, plus more zest to garnish   
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts 
  • 3 cloves garlic 
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound rigatoni 
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Make an ice bath in a medium bowl and set aside. 

To the boiling water, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and bright green. Immediately strain the broccoli out with a slotted spoon and blanch in the ice water. Keep the water boiling to cook the pasta later. 

To a food processor add the broccoli, basil, parm, lemon zest and juice, toasted pine nuts and garlic cloves. Pulse 10-12 times or until all the ingredients are finely ground and evenly combined. With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until a thick paste forms. Turn off the machine, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. 

When ready to serve, cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid. Toss the pasta in the pesto, adding a small amount of pasta water if needed until you reach the desired consistency. Serve immediately with more freshly shaved parm and lemon zest. 

Serves 4

 

Photography by Rebecca Sanabria

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