Healthy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups any shape pasta
uncooked
- 1 cup pasta water
reserved
- 2 large garlic cloves
minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
extra virgin
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp pesto
divided
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
cut in halves
- 4 cups broccoli florets
coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes
thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 oz
- more to taste1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
- to tasteGround black pepper
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta as per package instructions.
- 2
While pasta is cooking, get all ingredients ready - chop veggies and grate cheese.
- 3
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, draining the rest. Set aside.
- 4
Preheat large deep skillet or a dutch oven on medium heat, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- 5
Add 1 tbsp pesto, tomatoes and stir. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes, stir and cook another 1 - 2 minutes.
- 6
Move to one side of the skillet and make sure the empty side of is positioned directly over heat. Add 1 tbsp pesto and broccoli, stir and cook for 4 minutes, stirring once.
- 7
Remove skillet from heat and add remaining 1/4 cup pesto, sun dried tomatoes, half Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, pasta and pasta water. Stir gently and let flavours marinate for a few minutes. Do not cover because broccoli will become a mushy mess.
- 8
Sprinkle with remaining half Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Healthy Pesto Pasta Recipe
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 70 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or take hours to make? This Healthy Pesto Pasta is your answer, bursting with flavor and simple to prepare in just over 30 minutes.
This recipe shines by combining fresh, bright pesto with the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the hearty texture of broccoli. The robust flavors of minced garlic, juicy grape tomatoes, and sharp Parmesan cheese come together effortlessly, making a simple yet satisfying dish that truly feels gourmet.
Prepare for a delightful medley of textures and tastes. You'll enjoy tender pasta coated in a fragrant pesto sauce, complemented by the slight crunch of fresh broccoli florets and the chewy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite is savory and bright, with a hint of warmth from red pepper flakes and the irresistible nuttiness of Parmesan cheese. It's a comforting yet light dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Customization & Serving
Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape; fusilli or penne would work beautifully, as the recipe calls for any shape pasta. While this recipe uses broccoli and grape tomatoes, you could easily adjust the ratio to your preference. For an extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking, and always adjust the salt and ground black pepper to taste.
This Healthy Pesto Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a complete and wholesome meal.