You know that feeling when you stumble upon the perfect dish that makes your taste buds dance? That’s exactly what happened to me one afternoon while thinking of ways to elevate my usual pasta routine. Enter: Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives! This vibrantly green dish not only bursts with flavor but also presents a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to impress both your family and friends.
Picture this: the rich, herby scent of fresh basil mingling with toasty pine nuts and a hint of garlic, transforming your kitchen into an inviting haven. As I whisked together this quick and easy sauce, I could already envision myself tossing it with al dente pasta, creating a wholesome masterpiece that puts fast food to shame. Plus, the briny green olives add a savory depth that elevates this dish into something extraordinary.
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, this Broccoli Pesto Pasta offers a nourishing escape from the mundane. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe!
Why is Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives a Must-Try?
Vibrant, Fresh Ingredients: This dish is packed with wholesome broccoli, fresh basil, and zesty green olives, making it a colorful addition to your table!
Easy to Create: With just a handful of steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe, feeling like culinary pros in no time.
Versatile Vibes: Serve it warm for a comforting dinner or chilled as a refreshing side. You can also play with toppings like ricotta for extra delight!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of herby pesto, garlic, and the unique brine from olives creates a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Quick and Convenient: Whip this up in about 20 minutes, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives Ingredients
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with vibrant flavors!
For the Pesto
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups, providing a nutritious base for your delightful sauce.
- Pine nuts – 3 tablespoons, adding a toasty crunch that complements the creamy pesto.
- Fresh basil leaves – 2 cups, infusing the dish with a bright, aromatic taste that’s hard to resist.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, roughly chopped to lend a warm, bold flavor that enhances every bite.
- Green olives – 1 cup, drained and pitted, contributing a savory brininess that takes your Broccoli Pesto Pasta to the next level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 3 tablespoons, for that rich, cheesy goodness in every mouthful.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Several twists, to add a sprinkle of warmth and depth.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – ¼ cup, ensuring a luscious texture that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt – To taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For the Pasta
- Uncooked pasta – 1 pound (rigatoni or penne work beautifully), acting as the perfect canvas for your vibrant pesto.
Optional Toppings
- Dollops of ricotta – For a creamy finish that adds a touch of luxury.
- Red pepper flakes – To sprinkle for those who crave a little heat.
- Drizzle of olive oil – A final touch that adds a beautiful sheen and rich flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives
-
Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and let them cook for just 1 minute. This quick blanching brightens their color and makes blending easier. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to your blender.
-
Cook the Pasta: Return the pot of water to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes, or follow the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining!
-
Toast the Nuts: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until they’re fragrant and lightly toasted. This step enhances their flavor beautifully.
-
Make the Pesto: Add the toasted pine nuts to the blender with the broccoli. Then, add the green olives, fresh basil, chopped garlic, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and ½ cup of your reserved pasta cooking water. Pulse until combined, stopping to scrape the sides as needed.
-
Blend It Smooth: With the blender running, slowly stream in the olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto reaches a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper as desired.
-
Combine with Pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with your desired amount of pesto. If the mixture seems too thick, thin it out with reserved pasta water, adding 2 tablespoons at a time. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Place it in individual bowls and top with dollops of ricotta, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful pairings that complement this vibrant dish perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery loaf filled with garlic and herbs brings warmth and crunch alongside your pasta.
- Mixed Green Salad: Crisp greens topped with a light vinaigrette add a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the pesto.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini offer a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully. A colorful side that’s as nutritious as it is visually delightful!
- Grilled Chicken: Tender chicken breasts add protein and heartiness, making the meal more filling without overpowering the vibrant pasta.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc adds a refreshing zest, balancing the rich pesto and enhancing the dining experience.
- Lemon Sorbet: Finish your meal with this light, refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate and keeps the sunshine alive in your meal.
- Pine Nut Topped Flatbread: A crispy flatbread with a sprinkle of pine nuts mirrors the pesto while providing a crunchy element, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce!
How to Store and Freeze Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but if left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to maintain the flavors.
Freezer: You can freeze the pesto separately from the pasta. Pesto can last up to 3 months in the freezer when stored in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pesto in the fridge overnight and mix it with freshly cooked pasta or heat gently on the stove, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the right consistency.
Make Ahead Options
These Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pesto up to 3 days in advance; simply blend it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain its vibrant color, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. You can also cook the pasta a day ahead, tossing it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When it’s time to serve, warm the pasta gently, mix in the pesto, and thin with reserved pasta water as needed. With these easy steps, you’ll enjoy delicious comfort food that saves you time during busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep it bright! Blanch just for a minute to retain color and nutrients for your Broccoli Pesto Pasta.
Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Watch them closely while toasting; even a moment too long can turn them bitter. The right toast enhances their flavor!
Reserve Pasta Water: Keep that cup of reserved pasta water handy! It’s perfect for thinning the pesto to your desired consistency without losing flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your pesto before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your preferences, ensuring a perfect flavor with every bite.
Be Creative with Serving: Try topping with ricotta, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra layer of flavor and fun with your Broccoli Pesto Pasta.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your dish with these fun twists and substitutions that enhance flavor and cater to your preferences!
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta for a delicious alternative.
-
Nut-Free: Swap the pine nuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep that creamy texture without any nuts.
-
Cheesy Boost: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free cheesy flavor that’s rich and satisfying.
-
Extra Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes or sautéed zucchini for added nutrients and a pop of color.
-
Herb Infusion: Use fresh spinach or arugula in place of basil to switch up the flavor profile with a complementary peppery note.
Embrace the versatility of this dish! Each twist brings out a different facet of flavor, making your Broccoli Pesto Pasta a delicious favorite for every palate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe broccoli for my Broccoli Pesto Pasta?
Absolutely! Look for firm, bright green broccoli florets with tight buds. Avoid any that have yellowing or dark spots all over, as this can indicate that the broccoli is past its prime. Freshness is key for a delicious pesto!
What’s the best way to store leftover Broccoli Pesto Pasta?
Very! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to help retain the flavors and moisture.
Can I freeze Broccoli Pesto Pasta?
Yes! While the pasta itself doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the pesto. Store it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then mix it with freshly cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the right consistency.
What’s the best way to prevent my pesto from turning brown?
To keep your pesto vibrant, ensure you’re blending the ingredients quickly and efficiently. Adding a layer of olive oil on top of the pesto before sealing it in a container also helps keep air out and maintain that beautiful green color!
Are there any dietary considerations with the ingredients in Broccoli Pesto Pasta?
Absolutely! If anyone in your family has nut allergies, you can replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether. Always check the labels of your green olives and Parmesan cheese to ensure they are suitable for any dietary restrictions or allergies.
How can I enhance the flavor if my pesto tastes bland?
If your broccoli pesto seems underwhelming, feel free to adjust the seasoning! Add a little more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty lift. If you want more depth, consider blending in a bit more garlic or adding a cheese like pecorino for an extra punch!
Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Green Olives for Vibrant Flavor!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Blanch broccoli florets for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to your blender.
- Return the pot of water to a boil, add the uncooked pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining!
- Toast pine nuts in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add toasted pine nuts, green olives, fresh basil, chopped garlic, Parmesan, and black pepper to the blender with broccoli. Pulse until combined, adding pasta water as needed.
- With the blender running, stream in the olive oil. Blend until creamy and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta with desired amount of pesto. Thin out with reserved pasta water, if needed.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Top with ricotta, red pepper flakes, or olive oil before serving.