As I twirled the pasta around my fork, the vibrant green of the homemade basil pesto caught my eye, promising an explosion of freshness in every bite. Trenette al Pesto is a dish that whispers Italy’s charming echoes, blending tender green beans and creamy potatoes with a sumptuous pesto that dances with flavor. The best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for those busy weeknight dinners. With this delightful recipe, I’ll show you how to create a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for everyone, including folks looking for gluten-free pasta alternatives. Ready to discover how easy it is to bring a taste of Liguria into your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why is Trenette al Pesto a Must-Try? Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Flavorful Freshness: The homemade basil pesto bursts with aromatic flavors, far surpassing store-bought options. Versatile Ingredients: With simple swaps like using gluten-free pasta or various veggies, this recipe can cater to any dietary preference. Heartfelt Comfort: Combining tender potatoes, crunchy green beans, and al dente pasta offers a delightful hearty experience that warms the soul. Want to elevate your dining experience? Try pairing it with a light side salad for a complete meal, or explore more gluten-free alternatives for that extra touch! Trenette al Pesto Ingredients For the Pesto • Pine Nuts – Adds a nutty flavor and rich texture. Substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds if desired. • Basil Leaves – Fresh, aromatic herb providing the primary flavor in pesto. Can replace with spinach for a milder taste. • Garlic – Provides a robust, savory element. Use roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor. • Parmesan Cheese – Adds depth and saltiness to the pesto. Use pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. • Salt – Enhances all flavors in the dish. Adjust according to personal taste and dietary restrictions. • Olive Oil – Provides richness and smoothness to the pesto. Use extra virgin for the best quality. For the Pasta Dish • Gold Potatoes – Contributes a creamy texture; can substitute with Yukon gold or red potatoes, ensuring they are cut into bite-sized pieces. • Green Beans – Adds freshness and crunch. Can interchange with asparagus or peas. • Trenette Pasta – The star of the dish; use linguine or fettuccine as alternatives if trenette is unavailable. • Salt (for pasta water) – Essential for flavoring the pasta. With these fresh ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a delightful Trenette al Pesto that sings with flavors and warmth. Enjoy the cooking adventure! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Trenette al Pesto Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts In a skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts and toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn, as they can become bitter. Once toasted, remove from heat and let the nuts cool completely. Step 2: Make the Pesto In a food processor, combine the cooled pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil, blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a bit of pasta water or more oil, if necessary. Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes and Green Beans Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bite-sized pieces of gold potatoes and cook for 6 minutes. Next, add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for an additional 4 minutes. When done, drain the vegetables and set them aside, keeping the pot for the next step. Step 4: Cook the Trenette Pasta In the same pot of water, add the trenette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta, being careful to not let it overcook, as it will continue to soften in the next step. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Pesto Return the drained trenette pasta to the pot. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water with the homemade basil pesto, stirring well to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta, then gently toss in the potatoes and green beans until everything is evenly coated with that aromatic pesto. Step 6: Serve and Season Dish the Trenette al Pesto into bowls while it’s still warm. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. For an extra touch, consider topping with additional grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to elevate those delightful flavors. Serve immediately and savor each bite! Expert Tips for Trenette al Pesto Pasta Perfection: Always check the pasta a minute before the time on the package; you want that perfect al dente texture for your Trenette al Pesto. Pesto Timing: Prepare the pesto while your pasta and veggies are cooking to save time, but remember not to let the pasta sit too long before tossing with the sauce. Oil Control: When blending the pesto, add the olive oil slowly; this ensures a smoother consistency and prevents the sauce from becoming too oily. Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to taste your pesto before adding it to the pasta; adjust the salt or garlic based on your preference before serving. Separate Storage: If storing leftovers, keep pasta and pesto separate to preserve freshness; toss them together just before serving. Back to Basics: For an authentic taste, stick with fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially the basil, which is key to making your Trenette al Pesto shine. Trenette al Pesto: Flavorful Customizations Feel free to sprinkle your culinary magic onto this beloved dish with delightful and varied options! Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute the trenette with your favorite gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish! Vegan Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a deliciously dairy-free pesto that still packs a punch. Nut-Free Pesto: Swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to create a nut-free alternative that’s just as creamy. Extra Greens: Stir in baby spinach or arugula for an additional boost of nutrients and a vibrant touch to the pesto. Roasted Garlic: For a sweeter and milder flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw garlic in your pesto mix. Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier version that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Citrus Lift: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavor and add a refreshing twist. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a playful kick that elevates the dish to new heights! Feel inspired? Each of these variations allows you to personalize your Trenette al Pesto experience—so, get creative and make this dish truly yours! If you’re looking for more helpful tips, check out my guide on gluten-free alternatives or explore the wonders of homemade pesto for truly fresh flavors! What to Serve with Trenette al Pesto? Create a delightful dining experience by pairing this vibrant dish with complementary flavors and textures. Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious pesto, the warm, buttery taste of garlic bread adds a comforting touch to your meal. It’s an irresistible favorite that everyone loves! Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pesto, bringing some needed crunch and brightness to the table. Roasted Vegetables: The natural sweetness of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers enhances the dish’s earthy flavors, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy pesto. Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light and zesty lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the savory pasta, wrapping up your meal with a refreshing twist that invites smiles all around. Sparkling Water with Lime: Enhance your dining experience with bubbly sparkling water squeezed with a lime wedge. It adds a sophisticated touch, complementing the flavors of the Trenette al Pesto beautifully. Parmesan Crisps: Serve these crunchy crisps as a fun appetizer. They bring a salty, cheesy aroma that pairs beautifully with the pesto sauce’s herbal notes. These pairings create a harmonious meal that makes your Trenette al Pesto shine even brighter! How to Store and Freeze Trenette al Pesto Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent the pesto from drying out or losing its vibrant color. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled Trenette al Pesto in portions. Use freezer-safe bags or airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Pesto Storage: Keep extra homemade pesto in a jar covered with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain its freshness. Store in the fridge for about a week or freeze for later use. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat chilled Trenette al Pesto on the stovetop with a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it back to life! Make Ahead Options These Trenette al Pesto are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the homemade basil pesto up to 3 days in advance. Simply blend all the pesto ingredients and store it in an airtight container; to maintain its vibrant color and flavor, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before refrigerating. You can also cook the potatoes and green beans up to 24 hours ahead. Just refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, cook the trenette pasta and combine it with the prepared veggies and pesto. Toss until evenly coated for fresh, delicious results in no time! Trenette al Pesto Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes should I use for Trenette al Pesto? Absolutely! Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, but you can also opt for Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly. How long can I store Trenette al Pesto in the fridge? Very! You can keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, do so gently to prevent the pesto from drying out or losing its color. Can I freeze Trenette al Pesto? Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze assembled Trenette al Pesto in portions using freezer-safe bags or airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. What if my pesto is too thick? If your pesto is too thick, that’s no problem! Gradually stir in a little more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This not only helps loosen the sauce but also ensures it clings beautifully to the pasta! Are there gluten-free options for Trenette al Pesto? Very! You can substitute the Trenette pasta with a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Whether it’s chickpea, brown rice, or quinoa pasta, you’ll still enjoy the delightful flavors of this dish. Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade? While I firmly believe homemade basil pesto elevates the dish with fresh flavors, using store-bought pesto is perfectly acceptable for a quick meal. Just be sure to choose a high-quality option without preservatives for the best taste! Trenette al Pesto: Fresh, Easy, and Flavor-Packed Delight Trenette al Pesto is a quick, flavorful pasta dish that combines homemade basil pesto with tender green beans and creamy potatoes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pesto1 cup Pine Nuts Substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds if desired.2 cups Basil Leaves Can replace with spinach for a milder taste.3 cloves Garlic Use roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Use pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to personal taste and dietary restrictions.1/2 cup Olive Oil Use extra virgin for the best quality.For the Pasta Dish2 medium Gold Potatoes Can substitute with Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces.1 cup Green Beans Can interchange with asparagus or peas.12 ounces Trenette Pasta Use linguine or fettuccine as alternatives.1 tablespoon Salt (for pasta water) Essential for flavoring the pasta. Equipment SkilletFood ProcessorLarge pot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Trenette al PestoIn a skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts and toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and let the nuts cool completely.In a food processor, combine the cooled pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with pasta water or more oil, if necessary.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bite-sized pieces of gold potatoes and cook for 6 minutes. Add the green beans and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.In the same pot, add the trenette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.Return the drained pasta to the pot. Mix 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water with the pesto, then pour over the pasta. Gently toss in the potatoes and green beans until evenly coated.Serve the Trenette al Pesto warm. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, prepare the pesto while your pasta and veggies are cooking. If storing leftovers, keep pasta and pesto separate to maintain freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
