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You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinner / Pasta / Broccoli Pesto – Healthy Pasta Recipe

Broccoli Pesto – Healthy Pasta Recipe

November 3, 2018 by Mahy, Updated October 3, 2019 24 Comments

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This Healthy Pasta Recipe in a fe words: A fragrant broccoli pesto infused with garlic, olive oil and basil, dolloped over fettuccine pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, more garlic, and pine nuts. It’s a burst of freshness combined with pure comfort in every bite!

overhead shot of a skillet with fettuccine topped with Broccoli Pesto, parmesan and pine nuts

If you’re a pasta lover, you need to make this healthy Broccoli Pesto Pasta Recipe. It’s hands down one of my favorites and it will soon be yours! 

Yaay for pasta dinners! I know it’s quite obvious, but can I just say, I really LOVE pasta.

Pasta dinners, pasta sides, pasta everything! And for some weird reason, I don’t have that many pasta recipes on the blog, so things are about to change here.

This change comes in form of a simple, healthy  pasta recipe.

a skillet with pasta sauteed with mushrooms and tomatoes and topped with broccoli pesto

The truth is, I’ve been missing out on good food like a bowl of pasta with homemade pesto lately.

As you know I’ve finally moved from my high end tiny pretentious condo in downtown to the suburbs.

You know I moved so much in my life, it’s not even funny! If I tell you I grew up living in 14 different countries across the world, you might think—how cool!, But I say it with the same knot in my stomach I got every time I moved from country to the other. From one home to the other, one school to the other, one culture to the other.

overhead shot of a skillet with mushroom and tomato pasta topped with broccoli pesto

Ok but this time I’m moving literally 30 mins away from where I live, it doesn’t even compare to any of my previous moves—why does it still feel the same?

This time I’m moving for my own comfort, not because I have to like every other time. I’m moving because, while my downtown condo was as fancy as could be in a high-end hype location, with all amenities and services, we simply didn’t belong there anymore.

close-up of a skillet with healthy sauteed pasta topped with dollops of broccoli pesto

Today what I’m trying to say is, with this move—I’ve been trying not to give in and eat out every day while I get the kitchen in shape and organized.

BROCCOLI PESTO

This recipe is proof that simple is best! And this easy pasta dish is SOOO much better than ordering or eating out!

It tastes fresh and light, but rich in flavor and texture. And this healthy pasta recipe has solved a huge argument I continuously have with my husband.

He claims he has nothing against broccoli, but every time I make it or he finds it anywhere, he won’t eat it. He argues it’s almost always under-cooked for his taste, I argue who eats their broccoli mushy in this day and age anymore?!

So I give in and “mush” it up, he still eats minimal of it.

One magical morning this healthy pasta with a broccoli pesto CLICKED in my mind and it was magic, like PURE magic!

a fork full of broccoli pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and olives

So, the other day, I was craving that comfort meal but I didn’t feel like any sauces. And I had quite a bit of broccoli.

My plan was to make a broccoli pesto and have it with some healthy pasta with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and toasted pine nuts.

Well I had frozen broccoli (which I think is very slightly partially cooked). I pureed it in the food processor with a bit of garlic, basil, thyme, lemon juice and olive oil. It became a smooth blend of flavorful broccoli.

Now the healthy pasta recipe became a flavor-packed pasta recipe! And guess what? The Mr. tasted the broccoli pesto and kept adding more and more on his pasta.

Then he declared this broccoli pesto is now his absolute favorite way to eat broccoli!! And I declared this has to be one of my favorite pasta dishes ever!!

HEALTHY PASTA RECIPE

While we cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, we make the pesto.

Pulse the broccoli and everything else for 2 minutes until smooth. Then you’ll simply sauté garlic, mushrooms and sundried tomatoes with thyme and olive oil.

Once the pasta is cooked, you’ll add it to the mushroom with a bit of the pasta water to create a sauce ( I explained this before in my 10 Min Greek Cheese Tortellini recipe).

Then simply dollop some pesto over the corners of the pan, scatter some toasted pine nuts and dig in!! A sprinkle of parmesan or any vegan cheese is awesome over the top! Now go for it and enjoy! 🙂

overhead shot of a skillet with pasta topped with broccoli pesto, pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes

MORE PASTA RECIPES

  • Skinny Eggplant Parmesan Pasta,
  • Healthy Kale Squash Mushroom Pasta,
  • Summer Pasta Salad with Sweet Tea Dressing,
  • One Pan Creamy Mushroom Tortellini,
  • Quick Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Feta Sauce
  • Speedy Lamb Ragu Pasta.
  • 15 Minute One Pan Ravioli Recipe

Well, maybe I do have a good bunch of pasta recipes on the blog 😉

COOKING TIPS

  • Cook your pasta according to package directions, but check it a minute or two earlier, to make sure it’s still al dente.
  • Make sure not to brown the garlic too much, as this leads to bitterness.
  • When assembling the dish, add the hot pasta water very slowly, stirring in between, to avoid a runny sauce.
overhead shot of a skillet with healthy broccoli pesto pasta
5 from 11 votes
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Broccoli Pesto Healthy Pasta Recipe

If you’re a pasta lover, you need to make this Broccoli Pesto Healthy Pasta Recipe. It’s hands down one of my favorites and it will soon be yours! A fragrant broccoli pesto infused with garlic, olive oil and basil, dolloped over a quick pasta sauté with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, more garlic, and pine nuts. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Broccoli pesto, Healthy Pasta recipe, pasta recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 761 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

For the pesto

  • 1 cup frozen broccoli florets thawed
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

Pasta:

  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta cooked according to package directions

Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1/2 cup kale chopped
  • 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Sprinkling:

  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (Or Vegan Cheese)

Instructions

  1. While the pasta is cooking, make the broccoli pesto by blending all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Make the Sauce by heating the olive oil in a sauté pan, then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 2 minutes, add in the kale, thyme and sun-dried tomatoes with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.

  3. Once the pasta is ready, remove it from the hot water (reserving at least 1 cup of the pasta water) and add the pasta into the mushroom pan. 

  4. Toss the pasta well with the mushroom mixture and then add in the reserved pasta water gradually ( 1/4 cup at a time, while tossing with every addition) until your sauce is the desired thickness.

  5. Then add in the broccoli pesto in dollops over the pasta, scatter some toasted pine nuts and your choice of cheese. Serve and enjoy! 🙂

Recipe Notes

  • Cook your pasta according to package directions, but check it a minute or two earlier, to make sure it's still al dente. 
  • Make sure not to brown the garlic too much, as this leads to bitterness. 
  • When assembling the dish, add the hot pasta water very slowly, stirring in between, to avoid a runny sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Broccoli Pesto Healthy Pasta Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 portion)
Calories 761 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 102mg34%
Sodium 246mg11%
Potassium 534mg15%
Carbohydrates 87g29%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 1280IU26%
Vitamin C 42.1mg51%
Calcium 169mg17%
Iron 3.8mg21%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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Filed Under: Dinner, Healthy, Lunch, Pasta, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: broccoli, broccoli pesto, broccoli pesto sauce, easy pasta, healthy pasta, healthy pasta recipe, how to make pesto pasta, kale pasta, mushroom pasta, pasta dinner, pasta dinners, pesto pasta, pine nuts, vegan, Vegan dinner, vegan pasta

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Comments

  1. Maria says

    April 12, 2020 at 3:53 am

    What kind of oil is acceptable? Olive or corn/vegetable?

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      April 12, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      Hi Maria, any oil is acceptable. Olive oil will impact a more delightful flavor 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jenni LeBaron says

    November 6, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never made a pesto out of broccoli, but I really want to try it now because broccoli goes over so well in my house! This looks so full of flavor and perfect for a comforting meal you don’t have to feel guilty about!

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:12 pm

      Jenni, my husband hates broccoli yet he loves this pesto..so that says it all!

      Reply
  3. Veena Azmanov says

    November 6, 2018 at 9:02 am

    5 stars
    Pesto flavored is my absolute favorite. Love the colors on this pasta. It’s so good that you added broccoli to the pesto. I’ve tried variations but never broccoli. Yum.

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:13 pm

      I guess it should be on your list Veena!

      Reply
  4. Marisa Franca says

    November 6, 2018 at 7:07 am

    5 stars
    I know how you feel — I’m a nester and I like being surrounded by my own things. And it is a wonderful way to get your veggie, using broccoli as pesto and adding it to pasta. Great recipe.

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      It was a relief how everyone loved this pesto Marisa! I think you’ll do too 🙂

      Reply
  5. Dan Zehr says

    November 6, 2018 at 3:16 am

    5 stars
    Wow looks very tasty! And I want to make these asap. Great idea for dinner. Its fantastic! YUM! This looks so delicious!

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      it’s a perfect meatless dinner!

      Reply
  6. Michelle says

    November 6, 2018 at 1:26 am

    5 stars
    What a great way to get veggies into your diet, especially for those picky eaters! I think I know a few people who could benefit from this.

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      Tell me about picky eaters!!

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    November 5, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    5 stars
    The pesto looks crazy good. I have some slow roasted tomatoes that I can sub for the sundried. Yum!

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:13 pm

      absolutely!!

      Reply
  8. Hannah Healy says

    November 5, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    What a cool idea to make pesto from broccoli! I love it!

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      November 13, 2018 at 10:13 pm

      Hannah, it’s cool and delicious too!!

      Reply
  9. Karyl Henry says

    November 5, 2018 at 6:05 pm

    5 stars
    I love pesto, but have never thought to make it with broccoli! What a genius idea, especially in the winter when fresh basil is almost impossible to find

    Reply
  10. Claudia Lamascolo says

    November 5, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    these flavors are truly my favorite I love a good pesto pasta dish and this is calling my name

    Reply
  11. Lauren Vavala says

    November 5, 2018 at 8:39 am

    5 stars
    I just love this idea! I’ve had broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes together in several recipes, but never with the broccoli as part of the pesto! So fun!

    Reply
  12. Daphne says

    September 22, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    The ingredients list does not include sundried tomatoes, but they are in the instructions and description 🙁 We’re tying this tonight so I guess we’ll just play it by ear…

    Reply
    • Mahy says

      September 27, 2018 at 10:23 am

      Daphne, so sorry for this!!! I hope you made it, I usually throw in the sun dried tomatoes with the garlic.

      Reply
  13. Mahy says

    September 19, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Oh Kristen you’re so sweet thank you!!! And yes this is a pasta you’ll be craving over time!! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Mahy says

    September 9, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Thanks so much Taylor!! You will enjoy this so much!!

    Reply

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Copyright © ‘2021’ · Private Policy · All images and content are copyright protected. Please contact me if you would like to use any images . If you want to republish any of my recipes, please link back to my website and the recipe post.

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