Mezze Penne with Broccoli & Walnuts

A delicious, hearty pasta dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with the rich crunch of walnuts, all enhanced by the subtle sweetness of shallots. Perfectly paired with Pasta Agnesi Mezze Penne, this dish is both satisfying and full of flavour.

Preparation time:
10 minutes

Cooking time:
20 minutes

Time to complete:
30 minutes

Ingredients for 4 servings

320g of Mezze Penne Agnesi
300g broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
50g walnuts, chopped
2 shallots, finely sliced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
100ml vegetable broth (or water)
to taste salt and black pepper
for serving (optional) fresh Parmesan
for garnish (optional) lemon zest

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Pasta Agnesi Mezze Penne and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
Blanch the broccoli
In the same pot of boiling water, add the broccoli florets and blanch for 3–4 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the shallots and garlic
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Toast the walnuts
Add the chopped walnuts to the pan and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant.
Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce
Add the cooked Pasta Agnesi Mezze Penne and blanched broccoli to the pan with the shallots and walnuts. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and stir gently to combine. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky texture
Season and serve
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added freshness, if desired.

Why choose Pasta Agnesi Mezze Penne?

✔️ Perfect for chunky sauces – The ridged shape of Mezze Penne holds onto sauces and toppings, ensuring every bite is full of flavour.
✔️ Premium quality – Made from durum wheat semolina for a firm, al dente texture that complements every sauce.
✔️ Balanced and wholesome – This dish is packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and satisfying textures, making it a perfect light yet hearty meal.

For an authentic Italian experience, choose Pasta Agnesi. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹 🍝