Trofie al Pesto
Trofie al Pesto is a classic Italian dish from Liguria, featuring twisted trofie pasta coated in a vibrant basil pesto sauce. The dish is enhanced with tender green beans and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making for a flavorful and comforting meal with nutty and herbal undertones.
Ingredients
- 200 g trofie pasta
- 1 cup homemade basil pesto
- 50 g green beans trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Pine nuts for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the trofie pasta according to the package instructions. Add the green beans during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a bowl, mix the homemade basil pesto with a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
- Combine Everything: Toss the drained pasta and green beans with the pesto, ensuring an even coating. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta, drizzle with olive oil, and top with grated Parmesan. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
For an authentic Ligurian touch, add boiled diced potatoes along with the green beans. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Toasting the pine nuts before garnishing enhances their nutty aroma.