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Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad with Green Peas and Calabrian Chili Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad featuring protein pasta, roasted broccoli, and a creamy blended sauce with fresh herbs and cottage cheese. This refreshing dish combines tender pasta, crisp-tender roasted broccoli, sweet green peas, and a flavorful sauce with a hint of heat from Calabrian chili peppers, perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 oz (dry) Protein Pasta
  • 16 oz Broccoli Florets (cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1 cup (170g) Frozen Green Peas (microwaved for 2-3 minutes to thaw)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 ½ Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers (or sun-dried tomatoes, optional)
  • 1 cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese
  • 1 oz Grated Parmesan
  • 1 oz Fresh Basil
  • 1 oz Baby Spinach
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic
  • ⅓ cup Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Blend the cottage cheese, grated parmesan, fresh basil, baby spinach, garlic cloves, water, and Calabrian chili peppers (if using) together in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the protein pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes or until just al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool.
  3. Roast the broccoli: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat them in the oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is well roasted and nicely browned all over.
  4. Toss and assemble: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, thawed green peas, and the blended sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste, garnish with freshly grated parmesan, ground black pepper, and optional chopped roasted pistachios if desired. Serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

  • Use protein-enriched pasta for added nutrition and a firmer texture.
  • Roasting the broccoli in a skillet adds a nice caramelized flavor compared to steaming or boiling.
  • Thaw frozen peas completely before adding for best texture and flavor.
  • The blended sauce is versatile; you can substitute Calabrian chili peppers with sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness instead of heat.
  • This pasta salad can be served warm or cold, making it suitable for meal prep or picnics.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/roasted-broccoli-pasta-salad-with-green-peas-and-calabrian-chili-recipe/