Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of creamy, vibrant pasta that's not just delicious, but also secretly packed with nutrition. This Easy Broccoli Pesto Cavatappi is about to become your new obsession - a magical dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who craves bold flavors with minimal effort, this recipe is your culinary game-changer.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz cavatappi pasta, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli and keep its vibrant color and crunch.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander. Set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- If the pesto is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
- In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, combine the drained cavatappi and broccoli with the prepared pesto. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- If desired, you can add more reserved pasta water to help the pesto coat the pasta more evenly and create a silkier sauce.
- Serve the Easy Broccoli Pesto Cavatappi warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and vibrant Italian dish!
Tips
- Use fresh basil for the most vibrant pesto flavor - dried herbs just can't compare!
- Reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce.
- Don't overcook the broccoli; you want it bright green and slightly crunchy.
- For extra richness, toast your Parmesan cheese briefly before adding to the pesto.
- If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend ingredients longer in the food processor.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or toasted pine nuts to the final dish.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the most authentic and rich pesto flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
