Broccoli-Walnut Pesto Pasta

 

• Kosher salt
• 4 cups broccoli florets (10 ounces from 2 crowns)
• 1 pound cut pasta, such as medium shells
• 1 large garlic clove, smashed
• 2 packed cups fresh mint leaves (about 2 ounces from one small bunch)
•  Black pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
•  Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/4 cup salt, then add the broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and just tender, about 5 minutes. Use a spider or slotted spoon to transfer to a food processor; keep the water boiling.
  2. Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook according to the package’s directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
  3. Meanwhile, add the garlic to the broccoli and pulse, scraping the bowl occasionally, until smooth. Add the mint, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until smooth, then add the oil with the machine running.
  4. Drain the pasta well and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the pesto. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems thick, fold in the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time. The mixture will thicken as it cools, so you want it to be saucy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. 1. Divide among serving dishes and top with lemon zest, then grate cheese over. Sprinkle with the walnuts, grind more black pepper on top, then drizzle with olive oil. Serve hot, warm or room temperature.

     Tip

     • The pasta with the pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garnish with the lemon zest, cheese, walnuts, pepper and oil right before serving. Note that the pesto will oxidize after a day and darken into a khaki green. If packing for lunch, put the pasta in an airtight container and scatter the garnishes on top. If you want to keep the walnuts extra crunchy, you can keep them separate and sprinkling them on right before eating.