Ingredients: 350 grams Penne pasta,2 cups Broccoli – florets,6 cloves Garlic – finely chopped,1/2 teaspoon Black pepper powder,2 teaspoons Italian seasoning,1 teaspoon Red Chilli flakes,1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese – grated,1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil,Salt – to taste,2 tablespoons Whole Wheat Flour,1 cup Milk,1/4 cup Fresh cream,Salt and Pepper – to taste,1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Time in minutes: 40 Servings: 4 Course: Dinner Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions: To begin making the Broccoli Cheesy Pesto Pasta Recipe, first get all the ingredients ready.To Cook the Pasta Keep 500ml of water in a stock pot and allow it to boil, add in pasta along with a teaspoon of salt and allow it to boil and cook for at least 10-15 minutes until the pasta is cooked till al dente. Once the pasta is cooked,drain the water and rinse it under cold water to prevent it from getting overcooked in the heat. Drizzle some olive oil over the pasta and toss it well and keep the cooked pasta aside.To Make the Bechamel Sauce Whisk together the flours, salt, pepper, nutmeg and the milk until all the flour is well dissolved into the milk. Pour the white sauce mixture into a saucepan and begin cooking the Bechamel sauce until it thickens.As the White Sauce pasta mixture-Bechamel Sauce begins to thicken, add in the cream and continue to stir well until there are no lumps and the mixture is cooked through completely.Once the sauce is cooked and you are happy with the consistency, switch off the flame. To Make the Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Preheat the oven to 180 degree celsius for 10 minutes and keep it ready. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a wok, add chopped garlic and saute till it softens. Add in the broccoli florets, teaspoon of salt, and roast them until cooked through. Sprinkle the italian seasonings, red chilli flakes and pepper powder and give it a stir. Add in your White sauce-Bechamel sauce along with pasta and mix well until the pasta is well coated.Check the salt and adjust to suit your taste.Turn off the heat and transfer the Broccoli Pasta to a ceramic baked pan, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese on top and bake in the oven till the cheese melts. Serve the Broccoli Cheesy Pesto Pasta Recipe along with a Watermelon Panzanella Salad and glass of wine for a perfect weeknight dinner with your partner or even pack into a lunchbox for kids.