Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Name: Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of your choice; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love how vibrant and flavorful this Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta is! It’s a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing together the earthiness of roasted broccoli and the freshness of homemade pesto. Each bite is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, with simple ingredients that transform into something special. This recipe has quickly become a staple in our home, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:19:18.410Z

When I first made this Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta, I was amazed by how the roasting process brought out the natural sweetness of the broccoli. I’ve found that taking the time to roast the vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pleasing texture that complements the pasta perfectly. Don’t hesitate to choose your favorite pasta shape; it can really impact your dish!

Another tip I discovered is to include a touch of lemon juice in the pesto. This brightens the flavor, making each bite pop with freshness. It’s a simple touch but truly elevates the entire dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be hard to go back to plain pasta!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant flavors from roasted broccoli and fresh pesto
Nutritious ingredients that make you feel good
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights

      

Choosing the Right Pasta

Selecting the perfect pasta is crucial for this Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta. I recommend using shapes that can hold the pesto, like fusilli or penne. These varieties have ridges and tubes that trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be a great choice, each providing a different texture and taste. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as whole grain options might need a bit longer to reach that al dente perfection.

When cooking your pasta, ensure you salt the water generously; this is your primary chance to flavor the pasta itself. Once it is draining, remember that a little starch from the cooking water can help emulsify the pesto later. If you feel it’s a bit dry after mixing, toss in a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve that silky coating.

Perfecting the Pesto

Homemade pesto is the star of this dish, and using roasted broccoli elevates it to a new level. The roasting process deepens the broccoli's flavor, making it earthy and slightly sweet, which complements the pungent garlic and fresh basil beautifully. To achieve a perfectly smooth pesto, blend until the mixture is glossy without any chunky bits. If your pesto looks too thick, just drizzle in more olive oil while blending to loosen it.

Feel free to customize your pesto by adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts, which can introduce a wonderful crunch and extra nutrients. If you don't have parmesan on hand, nutritional yeast is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that still provides that savory umami flavor. Just remember, the key is balance; taste as you go to adjust the seasonings and achieve a vibrant, fresh taste.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Pesto

12 oz pasta of your choice
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Instructions

Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the broccoli florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy.

Cook the Pasta

While the broccoli is roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the roasted broccoli, basil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if necessary for a creamy texture.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli pesto until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein!

Serving Suggestions

This Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta can be served warm right after mixing, but it also makes an excellent cold pasta salad for lunch the next day. Toss in some cherry tomatoes or a handful of arugula to add color and contrast. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a delightful heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors even more.

To elevate your dish further, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. A light side salad or crusty bread also complements the meal perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last bit of that fabulous pesto.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you might find the pasta has absorbed some of the pesto, making it look a bit dry. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a small splash of water while warming up can rejuvenate that creamy texture, making the leftovers nearly as good as the first serving.

If you’re looking to prep in advance, you can roast the broccoli and make the pesto the day before. Store them separately to keep the ingredients fresh. When you're ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, toss it with the prepared pesto and broccoli, and enjoy a quick yet delicious meal!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but roasting fresh broccoli enhances the flavor. If using frozen, skip the roasting step.

→ Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pesto can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Any shape works, but prime options include fusilli, penne, or spaghetti as they hold the pesto well.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and ensure your pasta is egg-free.