Go Back
+ servings
Trenette al Pesto

Trenette al Pesto: A Flavorful Hug from Liguria's Kitchen

Trenette al Pesto is a delightful Italian dish combining pasta, potatoes, and green beans with homemade basil pesto.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Substitute with walnuts or almonds for a unique twist.
  • 2 cups Basil Leaves Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adjust according to your taste preference.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
For the Pasta & Vegetables
  • 2 medium Gold Potatoes Substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes if needed.
  • 1 cup Green Beans Use fresh or frozen green beans.
  • 12 oz Trenette Pasta Opt for gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • food processor
  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a skillet over medium heat, add a handful of pine nuts. Toast them for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  2. Blend the Pesto Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until coarsely chopped, then drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
  3. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add peeled and diced gold potatoes and cook for 6 minutes.
  4. Add the Green Beans: Carefully add trimmed green beans to the pot and continue to boil for 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove vegetables when tender.
  5. Cook the Trenette Pasta: In the same pot, add trenette pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix drained pasta with the potatoes and green beans. Pour pesto over and toss gently.
  7. Adjust the Consistency: If too thick, add reserved pasta water until creamy. Check seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the trenette al pesto, garnishing with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh basil for best flavor. Avoid overcooking the pasta for a satisfying texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!