The Pasta Atlasof Italy

Liguria / Herb Pasta

Trofie al Pesto Genovese

Twisted trofie with basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans, the Ligurian classic that turns a garden into a sauce.

35 minutes Medium Serves 4 trofie

Method

  1. Crush garlic and pine nuts with a pinch of salt.
  2. Add basil gradually and pound to a green paste.
  3. Work in cheeses, then stream in olive oil.
  4. Boil potatoes, green beans, and trofie together, timing so all finish tender.
  5. Loosen pesto with pasta water in a warm bowl, not over direct heat.
  6. Toss pasta and vegetables with pesto and serve immediately.
Cook's note: Heat dulls basil. Combine pesto off the flame.

Why this dish belongs to Liguria

Pesto alla Genovese is Liguria in a mortar: basil, garlic, oil, nuts, and cheese pounded into an aromatic paste.

Read the Liguria pasta history page

Keep cooking Liguria

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