Are you tossing out broccoli stems? This broccoli pesto is the perfect reason to save them! Simply slice the broccoli stalks and roast them in the oven with the florets. While a few florets mix with the pasta, the rest are blended into a nutty, cheesy, and zesty pesto. This hearty pesto can be used in any recipe that calls for pesto. For a healthier twist, swap regular pasta for whole-grain options like kamut, farro, or whole wheat, or make it gluten-free with brown rice pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 (1⅓-pound) head of broccoli
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, separated
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, separated
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, separated
• 8 ounces whole-grain pasta (e.g., brown rice, kamut, or whole-wheat)
• ¼ cup raw almonds
• 2 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving (If desired)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)
• 3 cups packed baby arugula, separated

Directions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Separate the broccoli stalk from the crown. Peel the stalk and slice it into thin rounds, then cut the crown into florets. Toss the stalk slices, florets, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly charred.
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3. 2. While the broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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5. 3. Set aside 1 cup of the roasted florets in a large bowl. Place the remaining roasted broccoli in a food processor. Add the reserved pasta water, almonds, Pecorino Romano cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 cup of arugula, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Blend until smooth to create the pesto, about 1 minute.
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7. 4. Combine the pasta with the reserved roasted florets in the large bowl. Toss with the pesto and fold in the remaining 2 cups of arugula. Top with additional cheese, if desired, and serve.