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: 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 ounces pasta of your choice; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup olive oil (for pesto); Juice of half a lemon

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love this Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta! It's a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted broccoli with a creamy pesto sauce. Every bite is packed with nutrients and a comforting taste that keeps me coming back for more. I find that roasting the broccoli enhances its natural sweetness, which balances perfectly with the pesto. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a go-to weeknight favorite that I enjoy sharing with friends and family.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:04:22.722Z

When I first experimented with the idea of roasted broccoli in pasta, I wasn't fully convinced it would work out. However, the roasting technique brought out such a wonderful flavor that I knew I had struck gold! Using fresh garlic and Parmesan in the pesto ties everything together, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy.

One tip I learned while preparing this dish is to make sure you don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the broccoli. This ensures that every piece gets beautifully caramelized, adding depth to the flavor that elevates the entire meal. Trust me, you’ll want to get this part right!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The earthy flavor of roasted broccoli combined with fresh pesto is irresistible.
It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
Loaded with nutrients, this pasta is both healthy and satisfying.

      

The Perfect Roast

Roasting the broccoli not only enhances its flavor but also makes it wonderfully crispy. When you roast it at 400°F (200°C), the edges will turn golden brown, which adds a pleasant texture. Make sure to toss the florets halfway through cooking to ensure they roast evenly. This technique brings out the natural sugars in the broccoli, resulting in a sweet contrast to the salty, earthy pesto. If you notice some pieces browning faster, it might be time to remove them to prevent bitterness.

For added depth, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the olive oil when tossing the broccoli. This will introduce a subtle heat that complements the creamy pesto beautifully. Additionally, if you have time, allowing the broccoli to cool slightly before adding it to the pasta can help maintain its crunch, further enhancing your dish's texture.

Crafting the Pesto

The pesto in this recipe is surprisingly versatile. Fresh basil is the star ingredient, but you can experiment by mixing in other herbs like parsley or even spinach for a different flavor profile. Toasting the pine nuts lightly before adding them to the food processor will elevate the nutty taste and aroma of your pesto. Just watch them carefully, as they can go from toasted to burnt quickly. A minute or two in a dry skillet over medium heat is usually sufficient.

If you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, which gives a cheesy flavor without the animal products. You can also replace the olive oil with avocado oil for a different taste and nutritional profile. Just ensure that whatever substitutions you make, the final pesto remains balanced in flavors—tasting before you blend is key!

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta warm will ensure that the flavors meld beautifully. For an extra touch, consider garnishing the dish with toasted pine nuts, which will not only enhance the presentation but also add additional crunch. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving elevates the dish even further, imparting a fresh flavor that complements the roasted ingredients well.

If you want to make this a more substantial dish, consider adding proteins such as grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas for a plant-based twist. You can also mix in some cherry tomatoes or arugula for a splash of color and freshness. This dish is perfect for meal prep; store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheating in a pan with a little olive oil will keep it just as delicious.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start to make the cooking process seamless!

Ingredients for Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta

2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces pasta of your choice
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil (for pesto)
Juice of half a lemon

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the fun part—cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta!

Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes or until they're golden brown and tender.

Cook the Pasta

While the broccoli is roasting, cook your pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil while blending until smooth. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, and pesto. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!

And there you have it! A tasty meal ready in no time.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.

Storage Tips

Storing your Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta is a breeze. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the pesto separately from the pasta. This way, you can freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray and portion it for use in future meals like sandwiches or salads, extending its shelf life up to three months.

When it comes to reheating, be cautious not to overcook the pasta again. A quick stir-fry in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil helps rehydrate the pasta and keep the pesto vibrant. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture—no one likes dry pasta!

Widely Enjoyed Variations

Making a variation of this recipe couldn't be easier. Try swapping the broccoli for other seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to change up the flavors. Integrating seasonal ingredients not only diversifies your palette but can also make the dish more nutritious depending on what's available. Just remember that different vegetables may require adjusting the roasting time—so keep an eye on them for optimal tenderness.

If you're feeling adventurous, add some citrus zest—lemon or even lime—to your pesto for a fresh twist that brightens the overall taste. This technique is particularly successful in summer, when you want your meals to feel light and refreshing. Finally, don't hesitate to switch up the nuts; walnuts or almonds also make excellent substitutes for pine nuts, each bringing a unique flavor to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but roasting fresh broccoli brings out the best flavor and texture.

→ What type of pasta works best?

You can use any type of pasta, but whole grain or gluten-free options complement this dish well.

→ Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pesto a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add a little olive oil to maintain its color.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping!