Best Easy Trofie al Pesto Recipe

Hand-rolled Ligurian pasta twists paired with traditional basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans. This vegetarian mediterranean classic is a fresh, wholesome family dish rooted in coastal tradition.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 430 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • trofie pasta 12 oz
  • yellow potatoes 2 pieces
  • green beans 1 cup
  • fresh basil 2 cups
  • pine nuts 1 oz
  • Parmesan cheese 3 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 0.33 cup
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 58 g 54%
Protein 13 g 12%
Fat 18 g 34%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Peel and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes.

  2. 2

    Add potatoes and green beans to boiling water; cook for 8 minutes over medium-high heat, then add trofie pasta and cook all together for another 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender.

  3. 3

    While pasta cooks, prepare pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until a rough but creamy sauce forms, scraping the sides as needed.

  4. 4

    Drain pasta, potatoes, and green beans, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water. Place all in a large bowl. Toss immediately with pesto, adding reserved water a bit at a time for creaminess and to coat gently.

  5. 5

    Serve freshly tossed Trofie al Pesto garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil; adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy immediately for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The standout ingredient is fresh basil, which forms the heart of the Ligurian pesto and delivers the signature aromatic flavor. Trofie pasta, unique for its hand-rolled twist, adds traditional texture, and pine nuts and Parmesan cheese round out the classic pesto profile.
Q. How do I ensure the potatoes and green beans don't overcook?
Add potatoes and green beans to boiling water first, keeping a steady medium-high heat. After 8 minutes, add the pasta; this timing ensures vegetables become tender without becoming mushy, as all will finish cooking together at the end for balanced texture.
Q. What texture should I look for in the finished Trofie al Pesto?
The ideal Trofie al Pesto should have springy pasta, creamy pesto sauce, and vegetables that are soft but still hold their shape. To prevent sogginess, drain immediately after cooking and toss with pesto while warm for even coating and robust texture.
Q. How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving of Trofie al Pesto contains about 430 kcal. The carbohydrate content is 58g per serving (54% of calories), protein is 13g (12%), and fat is 18g (34%), making it balanced and suitable for a mediterranean vegetarian diet.
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