Dino-Shape Pasta with Secret Broccoli Pesto
Fun dino-shaped pasta coated in a vibrant green pesto made from hidden broccoli, served with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. This pasta-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes blends dino-shaped pasta, steamed broccoli florets, fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz dino-shaped pasta
- 2 cups, steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz dino-shaped pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 2 cups steamed broccoli florets, 1/2 cup fresh basil, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and 2 garlic cloves. Process while slowly drizzling in 1/2 cup olive oil until smooth and bright green, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 3: Toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli pesto until fully coated, adding 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately with extra nutritional yeast sprinkled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dino-Shape Pasta with Secret Broccoli Pesto take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Dino-Shape Pasta with Secret Broccoli Pesto?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dino-Shape Pasta with Secret Broccoli Pesto?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Dino-Shape Pasta with Secret Broccoli Pesto for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Dino-Shape Pasta with Secret Broccoli Pesto?
Pasta kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many kid friendly recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
