Pesto Pasta with Broccoli and White Beans

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil and add your pasta.  You can add a big pinch of salt, if you like.  Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set pasta aside.  You can set aside some of the pasta water if you think you might need it to thin the pesto out a bit.  It depends on how thick your pesto sauce is.

Step 2

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic.  Cook garlic until fragrant, about one minute, and then add in the broccoli and a big pinch of salt and pepper.  I like to add in a little bit more olive oil after I have added the broccoli, but it’s up to you.  Mix together and let broccoli cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender.  I like to place the lid on for a few minutes to allow the broccoli to steam a little bit, while also getting some nice brown color to it.

Step 3

Add in the white beans and cook for another minute or so.  Next, add in the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce.  Mix everything together and add in a little of the reserved pasta water, if needed, and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Cook until pasta is warmed through.  I also like to add a little squeezed lemon on the top, once I’m ready to eat.