Broccoli Pesto

My kids are not huge fans of broccoli. We once forced out son to at least try a bite of broccoli when we were dinner guests at someone’s house, he did. And the results were, well, let’s just say no one finished their dinner. Eew!

So hopefully I haven’t ruined your appetite because this pasta is super delish and the perfect solution for picky eaters. Our middlest gobbles it up, even though she does not care for broccoli.

And it’s super easy too!

You will need one extra large head of broccoli. Begin by chopping up your broccoli. If you cut into the stem of the broccoli it will cook faster. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of salt. Boil the broccoli for approximately 10 minutes, testing to see if it is tender.

In the meantime dice or slice a clove of garlic. Place the garlic in a small frying pan with 3 tablespoons of oil. Lightly brown the garlic and then remove the oil from the heat.

Start the water for your pasta to boil in another pot. When it is boiling add 1 tablespoon of salt and 400 grams of penne pasta. Cook according to the indications on the package. Do not overcook!

Drain your broccoli, but keep some of the water from your pot. Add the broccoli and oil and a couple slices of the garlic to your food processor. Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated parmesan cheese. Blend on high until completely smooth. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time from the cooked broccoli to reach the desired consistency.

When your pasta is cooked, drain the pasta and then return it to the saucepan. Add your broccoli pesto and stir until well coated. Season with Red pepper flakes.

Enjoy! Hopefully your picky eaters will enjoy this easy pasta dish! The first time I made it, I just told them it was pesto. They said, “It tastes a little different Mom” but continued to eat it without any problems!! Success!