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A beautifully styled dish of Trofie al Pesto served on a rustic wooden table. The trofie pasta is coated in vibrant green pesto sauce.

Trofie al Pesto

Trofie al Pesto is a classic Ligurian pasta dish, renowned for its delicate yet vibrant flavors. The handmade trofie pasta is perfectly complemented by a fresh, aromatic pesto made from Genovese basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and Pecorino.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 persons
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Pot large

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto

  • 25 g Basil Leaves Fresh
  • 15 g Pine Nuts
  • 1 Garlic Clove small
  • 20 g Parmesan cheese grated
  • 10 g Pecorino cheese grated
  • 30 ml Olive Oil extra virgin
  • salt to taste

For the Pasta

  • 180 g Trofie pasta fresh or dry
  • 50 g Green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 100 g Potatoes peeled and cut into small cubes

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pesto

  • In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts into a paste.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Pecorino, followed by the olive oil, until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Vegetables and Pasta

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the potatoes and green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
  • Add the trofie pasta to the same pot and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).

Combine and Serve

  • Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain the pasta and vegetables.
  • Mix the pesto with the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly. Toss the pasta and vegetables with the pesto until well-coated.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Enjoy this delightful taste of Liguria, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special treat for two!
Keyword Exotic, pasta