Cavatappi With Mixed Herb Pesto and Broccoli

Chef notes

When pairing pastas with sauces, it's important to think about how they'll play off each other. Here, the pesto coats the cavatappi nicely, and the pieces of broccoli get hooked in the twists of each strand.

Technique tip: Add the broccoli to the cooking pasta when the pasta is about half-cooked and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. When combining everything, add a little pasta water if the pesto pasta mixture seems dry.

Swap option: Unlike most, this pesto has the added benefit of being nut-free. You could use other greens/herbs in the pesto, or another pasta shape that holds the sauce and broccoli well.