Linguini with Roasted Broccoli Pesto

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 2
Yield: 2 servings

Description

Use that head of broccoli in your fridge to make an amazing roasted broccoli pesto that is served with sauteed tomatoes over linguini, making a tasty dinner the family will love.

Ingredients

1/2 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
1 large head broccoli, trimmed and chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 cloves garlic, crushed
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
2 tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chicken soup base (such as Better than Bouillon®)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1 dash balsamic vinegar

Directions

1 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook linguine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3 Combine broccoli and pine nuts in a baking dish. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and lemon-pepper seasoning; toss to coat.
4 Bake in the preheated oven, removing every 5 minutes to stir, until broccoli is tender but still firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
5 Drain pasta, reserving 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Mix cooking liquid with soup base in a small bowl; set aside. Return pasta to the pot.
6 Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook, stirring often until some of the liquid has reduced, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add broccoli mixture, 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, and balsamic vinegar; stir to combine.
7 Transfer the entire vegetable mixture to the pasta pot. Add bouillon water, stir thoroughly, and serve immediately.