Broccoli Rabe Pesto Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Nutty Pesto: The unique combination of broccoli rabe and walnuts creates a pesto that’s rich in flavor but perfectly balanced.

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.

• Versatile: The broccoli rabe pesto can be used for more than just pasta—try it on crostini, pizza, or as a veggie dip!

• Healthy and Flavorful: The bitterness of broccoli rabe is tamed by the creamy pesto, offering a nutrient-packed dish without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 pound pasta (your favorite type—spaghetti or penne works well)

• Salt, for the pasta water

For the Pesto:

• 1/2 cup walnuts (or your preferred nuts)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Rabe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until the broccoli rabe is bright green and tender.

2. Immediately drain the broccoli rabe and garlic and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked broccoli rabe, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Pesto

1. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli rabe pesto. Add a little more reserved pasta water if needed to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto.

Step 5: Serve

1. Divide the pasta into serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Enhance the dish by adding cooked Italian sausage, cannellini beans, or a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra richness.

• Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

• Extra Greens: Add spinach or kale to the pesto for even more greens in the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the pesto for up to 3 months. To preserve its texture, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

• Reheating: Warm any leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the pesto if it thickens too much.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Rabe Pesto Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that elevates your weeknight meals with the perfect balance of earthiness, nuttiness, and creaminess. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with your favorite protein, this recipe is sure to be a new family favorite.

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