Step 1

Fill a large pan with salted water and bring to a boil.

Step 2

While waiting for it to reach a rolling boil, break the broccoli into bite sized florets and slice the stalks into small chunky pieces.

Step 3

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes then add the broccoli pieces and stalks. If using frozen broccoli let the pasta cook for 7 minutes before adding it. Don't stir it. We want to keep the broccoli on the top. Cook until the pasta is tender (another 3 to 5 minutes depending on the variety).

Step 4

While waiting add the rest of the ingredients to a blender.

Step 5

Once the pasta is pretty much ready, scoop out about 2 cups or mug fulls of broccoli pieces using a slotted spoon. Don’t worry if you get a bit of water with them. Add them to the blender with the other ingredients and blend until smooth. You will end up with a thick, green, creamy sauce.

Step 6

Scoop out a mug full of the pasta water and reserve, then drain the pasta and remaining broccoli before returning to the pan.

Step 7

Spoon the sauce from the blender into the pasta and broccoli, along with about half a cup (120ml) of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously adding more pasta water as needed to thin.

Step 8

Taste to check seasoning, adjust as necessary, then serve immediately.