Description
This Pesto Pasta with Broccoli and White Beans is a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make vegetarian meal that combines tender pasta shells with vibrant broccoli, creamy white beans, and aromatic pesto sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb mini shell pasta
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup prepared pesto sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges for squeezing, if desired
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add a pinch of salt. Add the mini shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later use if needed.
- Sauté garlic and broccoli: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Add the chopped broccoli along with salt and black pepper. Add a bit more olive oil if desired. Stir and cook the broccoli for 5-7 minutes until tender, placing a lid on the pan for a few minutes to steam and brown the broccoli slightly.
- Add white beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans, cooking for an additional minute to heat through.
- Combine pasta and pesto: Add the cooked pasta and pesto sauce to the pan with the broccoli and beans. Mix well to combine. If the pesto sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with lemon: Cook the mixture until warmed through, then serve immediately, optionally squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you like, but small shapes like mini shells work best to hold the pesto and beans.
- If you prefer, you can steam the broccoli separately before sautéing for a softer texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and pesto sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Reserving pasta water helps to thin the pesto sauce and binds the sauce to the pasta better.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature and makes great leftovers.
