July 18, 2026
URL: https://www.birdseye.com/recipes/dinner/fresh-basil-pesto-pasta-broccoli-10596
- Prep time 40 minutes
- Total time 40 minutes
- Servings 4
Ingredients
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1 bag (10.8 oz each) Birds Eye® Steamfresh Broccoli Florets
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PESTO:
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1/3 cup pine nuts (pignoli) or walnuts
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3 cups fresh basil leaves
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1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
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3 cloves garlic
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
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PASTA:
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1/2 pound cavatappi pasta, uncooked
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
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2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Nutrition Information
556 calories, 50g carbs
Directions
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Step one
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking your pasta. Microwave broccoli according to package directions. Pour off any water that may be in the bag. Pour broccoli out onto a cutting board to cool slightly. Chop broccoli into smaller pieces.
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Step two
Pour nuts into a small skillet and heat over medium heat. Cook just until nuts are toasted, lightly fragrant, and just starting to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully and swirl the pan occasionally. Remove from heat and pour into food processor.
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Step three
Add basil, Parmesan, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to food processor and process until very finely chopped. Pour ½ cup olive oil in through the spout with the motor running and process just until blended.
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Step four
Reserve 1/2-cup pesto for making the pasta. Pour remaining pesto into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze in 1 tablespoon portions in ice cube trays for longer storage.
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Step five
Cook pasta according to package directions. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in cooked broccoli and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Season with remaining 1/4-teaspoon salt.
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Step six
Drain pasta and pour back into pot. Stir in reserved 1/2-cup pesto, broccoli, mozzarella pearls, and lemon zest. Heat your pesto pasta over low heat and stand a few minutes before serving to melt the mozzarella.
Tips
If desired, cook and drain 4 cups Birds Eye® Broccoli Florets in place of the Steamfresh Broccoli.