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: 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounces whole grain pasta; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love how simple yet flavorful roasted broccoli pesto pasta can be. With just a few fresh ingredients, this dish transforms into a vibrant meal that's both nutritious and satisfying. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, enhancing its flavor and making it the star of the show. Coupled with whole-grain pasta, this recipe makes for a hearty dinner or a quick lunch leftover. You won't believe how delicious and easy it is to whip up a nutritious weeknight meal that everyone in the family will enjoy!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:52:12.994Z

Every time I prepare roasted broccoli pesto pasta, I can't help but remember the first time I made it. I had an abundance of broccoli, and I wanted to create something unique yet comforting. The result was incredible! Roasting the broccoli brings out its flavor and paired with a simple pesto, it creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone loves.

I've found that adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving elevates the dish to a new level. It brightens the flavors and makes each bite delightful. Plus, this meal is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your meal
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
Creamy, nutty pesto that pairs beautifully with roasted broccoli

      

The Flavor Journey of Roasting Broccoli

Roasting broccoli is not only a cooking technique but a transformation of flavors. When broccoli is roasted at high heat, around 400°F (200°C), it develops a beautiful caramelization that enhances its natural sweetness. The edges become slightly crispy while the florets maintain a tender texture, providing both a satisfying bite and a delicious, nutty flavor. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning; golden edges are a good indicator that they're just right.

For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the broccoli before roasting. This adds a subtle heat that complements the nuttiness of the walnuts in the pesto. Make sure to space the florets evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they roast properly without steaming.

The Role of Nuts and Cheese in Pesto

In this roasted broccoli pesto, walnuts play a crucial role, providing a creamy texture while adding depth to the flavor profile. Toasting the walnuts before blending with the pesto enhances their oiliness and brings out a richer taste. If you prefer a different flavor, pine nuts or even sunflower seeds can be excellent substitutes, giving a unique twist while still complementing the dish beautifully.

Parmesan cheese not only adds a savory note but also helps emulsify the pesto, resulting in a creamy consistency. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute; it offers a cheesy flavor while keeping the dish vegan. However, remember that the saltiness of cheese can vary, so adjust the salt you add to the overall dish accordingly.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This roasted broccoli pesto pasta is highly versatile. For added protein, consider mixing in chickpeas or cooked chicken. You can also throw in seasonal vegetables such as roasted bell peppers or zucchini to enhance its nutritional value. If you want a bit of crunch, adding toasted breadcrumbs on top right before serving can elevate the dish both in flavor and texture.

To change things up, try serving the pasta cold as a pasta salad, especially during warmer months. Just be sure to let the pasta cool before tossing it with the pesto, and add a splash of extra lemon juice to keep the flavors fresh. This dish can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta

3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces whole grain pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your taste preferences!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your pasta:

Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes, until they are tender and slightly charred.

Cook the Pasta

While the broccoli is roasting, cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and the remaining olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, and basil pesto. Toss well until everything is coated in the pesto.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Enjoy your delicious roasted broccoli pesto pasta!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your pesto or garnish with extra toasted walnuts for crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing parts of this dish in advance can save you time during busy weekdays. You can roast the broccoli earlier in the day or even the night before; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the broccoli in the oven for a few minutes to restore its texture before mixing it with the pasta and pesto.

The pesto itself can also be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, and you can pop out a portion whenever you need to quickly enhance a meal.

Common Troubleshooting

If your pesto seems too thick, you can add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water to achieve a smoother consistency. Blending in small amounts of water can help without overwhelming the flavors. If it's too thin, adding more nuts or cheese can help thicken it up while enriching the flavor.

During the final mix, if you find that the pasta isn't absorbing the pesto well, try adding a tablespoon of the reserved pasta cooking water while mixing; this can help the pesto cling more effectively. Remember to mix gently but thoroughly, to ensure each piece of pasta is coated without breaking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Asparagus, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts work wonderfully with this pesto.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

→ Can I prepare the pesto in advance?

Yes! You can make the pesto up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Whole grain pasta is a great choice, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape for this dish.