Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish showcases a beautifully creamy and herby pesto sauce that coats pasta perfectly. The addition of green beans and potatoes not only adds nutrition but also enhances the texture and richness of the sauce. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Homemade basil pesto (or store-bought)
- Salt
- Pasta (trofie is traditional, but fusilli, penne, or spaghetti work well)
- Potatoes
- Green beans
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Pine nuts (optional)
Directions
- Make the Pesto: If you’re making homemade pesto, prepare it according to your favorite recipe or use a store-bought version.
- Boil Pasta and Vegetables: Bring salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and green beans first, followed by pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until all are fork-tender.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Reserve some pasta water before draining. Combine the cooked pasta and vegetables with pesto and a bit of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pesto pasta with extra Parmesan and pine nuts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nut-free: Omit pine nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- Vegan/Dairy-free: Use vegan Parmesan or skip the cheese altogether.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover pesto pasta in the fridge for 1-2 days. Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Reheating: Avoid reheating to preserve the vibrant green color of the pesto. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
What’s the best pasta for pesto?
Trofie is traditional, but fusilli, penne, or spaghetti also work well.
How do I store leftover pesto?
Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add peas, spinach, or zucchini to your pesto pasta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I freeze pesto pasta?
It’s best not to freeze the whole dish, but you can freeze leftover pesto.
How do I make the pesto creamier?
Use some pasta water to make the pesto sauce silky and creamy.
What can I use instead of pine nuts?
Sunflower seeds can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The pesto pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?
Avoid heating the pesto and mix it with the pasta off the heat to maintain the vibrant green color.
Conclusion
Basil Pesto Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings a burst of fresh flavor to your plate. With its creamy pesto, hearty vegetables, and satisfying pasta, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Make it your go-to pasta dish for any occasion!
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Basil Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Basil Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh basil pesto with al dente pasta, potatoes, and green beans. It’s a quick and satisfying Italian recipe that brings the taste of Liguria to your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend meals.
Ingredients
Homemade basil pesto (or store-bought)
Salt
Pasta (trofie is traditional, but fusilli, penne, or spaghetti work well)
Potatoes
Green beans
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Pesto: Prepare your homemade pesto or use a store-bought version if short on time.
-
Boil Pasta and Vegetables: Bring salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and green beans first, followed by the pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until fork-tender.
-
Combine Pasta and Pesto: Before draining, reserve some pasta water. Toss the cooked pasta and vegetables with the pesto and some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy, smooth sauce.
-
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and pine nuts, then serve immediately.
Notes
Nut-free: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
Vegan/Dairy-free: Use vegan Parmesan or skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling & Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
