Linguine with Roasted Broccoli Pesto: A Vibrant and Delicious Pasta Dish

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than linguine with roasted broccoli pesto! This dish is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens, and the roasting process transforms the broccoli into a subtly sweet and nutty delight. The pesto, made without traditional basil, offers a unique and vibrant twist on a classic sauce. This recipe is easily customizable to your taste, making it a perfect choice for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike (simply add some grilled chicken or shrimp!).

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this meal can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful and Unique:** The roasted broccoli pesto offers a delicious and unexpected flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Broccoli and pasta are both relatively inexpensive ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Roasted Broccoli:**

* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but highly recommended)
* Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

**For the Broccoli Pesto:**

* 2 cups roasted broccoli florets (from above)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
* 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more as needed)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
* 2 tablespoons water (or more, as needed to thin the pesto)

**For the Pasta:**

* 1 pound linguine pasta
* Salt, for pasta water

**Optional Toppings:**

* Extra Parmesan cheese
* Red pepper flakes
* Toasted pine nuts
* Lemon wedges
* Grilled chicken or shrimp

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large baking sheet
* Large pot
* Colander
* Food processor or blender

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

**Step 1: Roast the Broccoli**

1. **Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).** This high temperature will help the broccoli roast quickly and evenly, giving it that desirable slightly charred edge.
2. **Prepare the broccoli:** Wash the broccoli head thoroughly and cut it into florets. Aim for florets that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
3. **Season the broccoli:** In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. The olive oil helps the broccoli crisp up in the oven, and the seasonings enhance its natural flavor.
4. **Arrange on the baking sheet:** Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the broccoli instead of roasting it. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. **Roast the broccoli:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned. Keep an eye on the broccoli, and flip the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The roasting time may vary depending on your oven, so adjust accordingly.
6. **Cool slightly:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the broccoli cool slightly before proceeding to the next step. This will prevent the pesto from becoming too hot and wilting.

**Step 2: Make the Broccoli Pesto**

1. **Combine ingredients in food processor:** In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups of the roasted broccoli florets (reserve the remaining broccoli for topping, if desired), Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), pine nuts (or other nuts), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. **Process until smooth:** Pulse the food processor until the mixture is finely chopped. Then, process continuously until a smooth paste forms. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. **Adjust consistency:** If the pesto is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pesto should be thick enough to coat the pasta, but not so thick that it clumps together. Add more olive oil for a richer flavor.
4. **Taste and adjust seasonings:** Taste the pesto and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese to suit your taste. Remember that the flavor of the pesto will mellow slightly once it’s mixed with the pasta.

**Step 3: Cook the Linguine**

1. **Bring water to a boil:** Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. The salt not only flavors the pasta but also helps it cook evenly.
2. **Cook the pasta:** Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. This texture is essential for a good pasta dish.
3. **Reserve pasta water:** Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a secret ingredient that will help emulsify the sauce and create a creamy texture.
4. **Drain the pasta:** Drain the pasta in a colander.

**Step 4: Combine and Serve**

1. **Combine pasta and pesto:** Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the broccoli pesto and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help the sauce cling to the pasta and create a luscious, creamy texture.
2. **Serve immediately:** Serve the linguine with roasted broccoli pesto immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, and lemon wedges, if desired. You can also add some of the reserved roasted broccoli florets on top for extra texture and flavor. Consider serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

## Tips and Variations

* **Roast the broccoli properly:** Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with olive oil. Roasting at a high temperature is key to achieving that slightly charred and caramelized flavor.
* **Toast the pine nuts:** Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto will enhance their flavor and add a nutty aroma.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other roasted vegetables to the pesto, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
* **Make it vegan:** Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to make this dish vegan.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.
* **Use different pasta:** Linguine can be substituted with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Add protein:** Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great additions to this dish.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pesto for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Stir in some fresh basil, parsley, or mint to the pesto for added freshness.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto for a burst of umami flavor.
* **Keep it fresh:** This pesto is best when used immediately. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before refrigerating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fiber: 8-10g

*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Serving Suggestions

This linguine with roasted broccoli pesto is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments.

* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the richness of the pesto.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread, such as garlic bread or focaccia, is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are great side dishes that complement the roasted broccoli flavor.
* **Protein:** Grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish are excellent additions to this dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the bright flavors of the pesto.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftover Pasta:** Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
* **Pesto:** Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top to prevent oxidation. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.

## Conclusion

Linguine with roasted broccoli pesto is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The roasting process transforms the broccoli into a subtly sweet and nutty delight, and the pesto offers a unique and vibrant twist on a classic sauce. With its versatility and budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying pasta dish! This recipe is a winner. Whether you’re looking for a meatless Monday option or simply want to add more vegetables to your diet, this linguine with roasted broccoli pesto is a delicious and nutritious choice.

Enjoy your culinary adventure!