Broccoli Pesto Pasta Shells Recipe
A vibrant and delicious broccoli pasta shells recipe featuring a homemade broccoli pesto with fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts, lemon, and parmesan. Roasted broccoli adds a smoky depth, while the creamy pesto coats tender pasta shells for a flavorful vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 & Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 250g pasta shells
- 30g toasted pine nuts
- 30g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Roast the Broccoli and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Toss the chopped broccoli florets and the unpeeled garlic clove with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a roasting tray. Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is softened and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli Pesto: Place the parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and parmesan into a blender. Once the roasted broccoli is ready, squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin and add it along with the rest of the broccoli (reserving a few small florets for garnish) into the blender. Pulse until you get a coarse pesto consistency. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Combine the drained pasta shells with the broccoli pesto thoroughly. Divide the pasta into two bowls, topping each with the reserved broccoli florets, extra parmesan, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the parmesan with a vegetarian or vegan alternative if preferred.
- Toast pine nuts lightly before using to enhance their flavor.
- Reserve some roasted broccoli florets to add texture and visual appeal to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning after blending the pesto to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: broccoli pasta, pasta shells, broccoli pesto, roasted broccoli, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, pine nuts, lemon pasta, homemade pesto
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/broccoli-pesto-pasta-shells-recipe/
