Broccolini and Walnut Pesto Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish combines tender broccolini and a nutty walnut pesto for a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic pesto pasta.

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 0 salt
• 1 bunch broccolini trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pasta water
• 1 cup basil leaves
• 0.5 cup walnuts toasted
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon lemon juice
• 0.333 cup olive oil
• 0 salt
• 0 pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0 as needed reserved pasta water
• 0 Parmesan cheese for garnish
• 0 olive oil for garnish
• 0 cracked black pepper for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
2. During the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccolini to the pot. This will blanch the broccolini while the pasta finishes cooking.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccolini.
4. In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
5. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta and broccolini.
7. Stir in the walnut pesto, tossing to coat everything evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky coating.
8. Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.