Orecchiette with Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Calabrian Pesto

Orecchiette with purple sprouting broccoli and Calabrian pesto is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The orecchiette pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed with the broccoli, pesto, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The dish is full of flavor and the broccoli adds a nice pop of color.

Ingredients

* 1 pound orecchiette pasta
* 1 pound purple sprouting broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets
* 1/2 cup Calabrian pesto
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli until tender.
3. Drain the pasta and add it to a large bowl.
4. Add the broccoli, pesto, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.

Tips

* For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the Parmesan cheese.
* If you don't have Calabrian pesto, you can use another type of pesto, such as Genovese pesto or basil pesto.
* You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
* This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.

Nutritional information

One serving of orecchiette with purple sprouting broccoli and Calabrian pesto contains approximately:

* Calories: 400
* Fat: 15 grams
* Protein: 20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60 grams
* Fiber: 5 grams

Benefits of eating orecchiette with purple sprouting broccoli and Calabrian pesto

This dish is a good source of several nutrients, including:

* Vitamin C: Purple sprouting broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage.
* Calcium: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
* Iron: Orecchiette pasta is a good source of iron, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Overall, orecchiette with purple sprouting broccoli and Calabrian pesto is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.