Broccoli Walnut Pesto

18
Ingredients

5m
Prep Time

7-10m
Cook Time

12m
Ready In

Recipe: #13939

August 19, 2014

Categories: Side Dishes, Walnut, Broccoli, 5-Minute Prep, Sunday Dinner, Vegetarian, Vegetarian Dinner, more

recipe by:
Kchurchill5

"Besides being a delicious and lighter pesto. This is also a fantastic way to get kids to eat more vegetables. It's pesto with a twist - and; it really cuts down on the calories. The walnuts add protein and richness too. This is a great 'meatless dish;' or, makes a fantastic side dish. You could use any type of pasta; but, I love to use a bow tie pasta or an orecchiette."

Original is 5 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (383.6 g)
Calories 521.9
Total Fat - 16.8 g
Saturated Fat - 3.1 g
Cholesterol - 6.4 mg
Sodium - 256.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 83.4 g
Dietary Fiber - 16.9 g
Sugars - 4.3 g
Protein - 17.7 g
Calcium - 263.7 mg
Iron - 4.5 mg
Vitamin C - 125 mg
Thiamin - 0.4 mg

Step 1

Broccoli ... I like to cook the broccoli in a large saute pan vs a pot. Add about 3/4-1" water along with the broccoli florettes; and bring to boil; reduce to medium low, and simmer until tender. Once the broccoli is done; drain and transfer to a food processor.

Step 2

Pesto ... Add the following to the food processor with the broccoli - shallot, garlic, lemon juice, walnuts, cheese, 1/4 cup of the chicken broth, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), olive oil, a pinch of both salt and pepper; then, pulse several times until combined. Check for seasoning - you may want to add a bit salt and pepper; or, a bit more chicken broth, if it seems a bit thick.

Step 3

Pasta ... Cook the pasta according to package directions, in plenty of salted water. Once the pasta is done; drain (reserving 1 cup of the pasta water), and return to the pot off the heat.

Step 4

Finish ... Add the pesto to the pasta, and toss to combine. If you like your pasta a bit thinner, add a bit of the pasta water. This is NOT a heavy cream sauce - so, don't expect that. The pasta is lightly dressed with the pesto.

Step 5

Serve and ENJOY! ... Transfer to a serving bowl; top with a few extra walnuts, basil, a drizzle of olive oil; and extra cheese. This makes a nice vegetarian dish; and, a great way to get kids to eat more 'veggies.' This makes a great main or side dish.