Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/14 checked
6
servings
12 unit

Whole-wheat spaghetti

1.25 unit

Blanched almonds

toasted

2 tbsp

Lemon zest

finely grated

0.25 cup

Lemon juice

fresh

1 unit

Garlic clove

1 cup

Flat-leaf parsley

packed fresh

0.5 cup

Mint leaves

packed fresh

0.25 cup

Tarragon leaves

packed fresh

0.5 tsp

Salt

coarse

1 pinch

Pepper

freshly ground

3 tbsp

Extra-virgin olive oil

2.25 unit

Broccoli

cut into small florets

3 tbsp

Ricotta cheese

part-skim

6 unit

Lemon wedges

for serving

Step 1
~2 min

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2
~2 min

Add whole-wheat spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Step 3
~2 min

Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Key Technique: Pasta Cooking
Step 4
~2 min

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5
~2 min

Toast blanched almonds in a dry pan until lightly golden.

Step 6
~2 min

In a food processor, pulse the toasted almonds until finely ground.

Step 7
~2 min

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, mint, tarragon, and salt to the food processor.

Step 8
~2 min

Process until finely chopped.

Step 9
~2 min

With the machine running, gradually add olive oil and the reserved pasta water.

Step 10
~2 min

Process until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.

Step 11
~2 min

Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat.

Step 12
~2 min

Add olive oil to the pan.

Step 13
~2 min

Add broccoli florets, salt, and pepper to the pan.

Step 14
~2 min

Cook, tossing occasionally, until the broccoli is lightly browned and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 15
~2 min

Add the cooked spaghetti and pesto to the pan with the broccoli.

Step 16
~2 min

Toss to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the pesto.

Step 17
~2 min

Divide the pasta among six bowls.

Step 18
~2 min

Dollop each bowl with ricotta cheese.

Step 19
~2 min

Sprinkle with remaining lemon zest.

Step 20
~2 min

Squeeze lemon wedges over the tops.

Step 21
~2 min

Serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Toast the almonds for enhanced flavor.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.

Don't overcook the broccoli; it should be crisp-tender.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Pesto can be made ahead of time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot or warm.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken or fish
Crusty bread

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Pesto is a classic Italian sauce.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Family meal

Popularity Score

70/100

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