This is an easy one-dish dinner that's perfect for weeknights. If you're feeling extra wholesome, use whole wheat pasta – the broccoli and walnuts stand up to the heartier texture very well. You can start cooking the broccoli and toasting the walnuts while the pasta water boils and the pasta cooks.

Note that the broccoli in this recipe is cooked beyond the crisp-tender stage many health-conscious people have become used to. It still has plenty of vitamins in it, and the softer texture helps it become the "sauce" for the pasta. Try it to see the many flavors and uses of broccoli.