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
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Make the Pesto: Prepare your homemade pesto or use a store-bought version if short on time.
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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.
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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.
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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
