Broccoli Pesto Pasta

1

lemon

c.

sliced almonds

12
oz.

broccoli florets

1

box whole-grain fusilli or rotini pasta

1
c.

packed fresh mint leaves

1/4
c.

olive oil

salt

Pepper

1
oz.

Parmesan cheese

1. Heat 6-quart covered saucepot of water to boiling on high.
2. Meanwhile, from lemon, with vegetable peeler, remove 6 strips of peel, avoiding white pith. Very thinly slice lengthwise. Halve lemon; squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. In microwave-safe small bowl, microwave almonds on High 1 minute or until toasted.
3. Add broccoli to boiling water. Cook 5 minutes or until just tender. With slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to food processor with knife blade attached.
4. Add pasta to same pot. Cook as label directs; reserve 1/4 cup cooking water.
5. While pasta is cooking, to food processor, add mint, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Puree. With machine running, add reserved water. Drain pasta and return to pot. Add broccoli pesto, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
6. Divide pasta among bowls. Top with Parmesan, lemon peel, and almonds.