This is now our new favorite pasta. I made it this way, then tried some shortcuts, but it’s worth doing right. You start with the pesto, then make the crispy breadcrumbs, and then cook the broccoli (all in different steps), but the end result is fantastic.

My children won’t eat olives and many of you don’t care for them, so I think a good alternative here would be something that is rich and filling, like mini meatballs. The anchovies aren’t strong in this dish, they dissolve and add some depth of flavor, but you can skip them if you’re scared…but it’s really not a lot!