Name: Cavatappi Pasta with Broccoli Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 small head Broccoli, cut into florets; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 (16 ounce) package cavatappi pasta; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 3 tablespoons prepared pesto

Pesto Pasta

Cavatappi with Roasted Broccoli and Pesto

Aug 24, 2025
by Adriel Pouros
- 4.0 / 5 ( 1 Ratings)
1 Likes

PREP TIME

10 mins
COOK TIME

20 mins
TOTAL TIME

30 mins
SERVING

3 People
VIEWS

3

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delightful pasta dish! Tender cavatappi pasta is tossed with perfectly roasted broccoli and a generous swirl of fragrant pesto, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

1 small head Broccoli, cut into florets

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1.5 teaspoons garlic powder

1 (16 ounce) package cavatappi pasta

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

3 tablespoons prepared pesto

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

123 g
Cholesterol

12 mg
Fiber

8 g
Protein

28 g
Saturated Fat

5 g
Sodium

277 mg
Sugar

2 g
Fat

26 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Arrange broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Roast in the preheated oven until the broccoli is tender-crisp and lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.

04

Step

While the broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

05

Step

In a large bowl, toss the roasted broccoli with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. (2 minutes)

06

Step

Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bowl with the broccoli. Add the pesto and remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, tossing gently to combine. (3 minutes)

07

Step

Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broccoli before roasting.
Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts make a delicious topping for this dish.
If you're short on time, pre-cut broccoli florets can be used.
Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

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Adriel Pouros

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.