If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine as much as I am, you’re going to fall in love with my recipe for Mediterranean Baked Pesto Penne with Broccoli. This dish brings together the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With easy to find ingredients and straight-forward cooking techniques, even a beginner can whip up this hearty dish in no time.
Ingredient Highlights
- Penne Pasta: Well-known for its versatility, it’s a classic pasta shape that can pair beautifully with almost any kind of sauce. Its tubular structure can hold a good amount of the scrumptious pesto, making every bite a memorable one.
- Pesto Sauce: No Mediterranean dish can be imagined without the freshness of pesto sauce. Made from basil leaves, this classic Italian sauce leaves a lingering taste of the Mediterranean in each bite. It adds a vibrant green color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Broccoli: Aided by its unique flavor, it adds an exciting depth to this baked pasta dish. Its crispy texture makes it a delightful match with soft and creamy pasta.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is more than cooking oil in the Mediterranean region. It’s a flavor booster, often used for drizzling over pasta and roasts, as I’ve done in this recipe. The fruity and peppery flavor of extra virgin olive oil adds an extra dimension to this delightful pasta dish.
Cooking Tips
- Preparation Steps: The first step is to cook the pasta al dente. This means the pasta should still have a bit of a bite to it. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cooking Method: Baking the pasta ensures even distribution of heat and makes the top layer of pasta crispy, providing a delicious contrast with the creamy pesto covered pasta underneath.
- Tips and Tricks: In order to keep the broccoli florets bright green and full of vitamins, do not overcook them. Add them at the last moment in the pan, just to coat them with the pesto sauce before baking.
Serving It Up
- Presentation Tip: Serve the Mediterranean Baked Pesto Penne with Broccoli right out of the oven in the baking dish for a rustic, homey vibe that’s both comforting and visually appealing.
- Pairing Idea: A light, crisp green salad and a bottle of your favorite white wine would be perfect companions to this satisfying dish.
- Variation: For a more protein-packed meal, feel free to add in some roasted chicken or sautéed shrimp into the mix before baking.
Conclusion on the Mediterranean Baked Pesto Penne with Broccoli
In conclusion, the Mediterranean Baked Pesto Penne with Broccoli is the perfect dish for pasta lovers seeking a meal that is comforting, hearty, and packed with flavors. It gives you an authentic taste of the Mediterranean right from your kitchen. So, why wait? Put on your apron and give this recipe a shot. Don’t forget to share your experience or photos.
If you enjoy this dish, you may enjoy exploring other of our Keto Grill Method Recipes!
Mediterranean Baked Pesto Penne with Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 baking dish
Ingredients
- 250 g Penne Pasta
- 2 tbsp Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne pasta according to package’s instructions, until al dente.
- Prepare Broccoli: Meanwhile, cut your broccoli into florets, wash and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: Drain the pasta and return to pot. Add the pesto sauce, broccoli florets and stir to combine.
- Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Serve the Mediterranean Baked Pesto Penne with Broccoli warm.