Authentic Pasta al Pesto Genovese with Potatoes and Green Beans🇮🇹

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Atsuko
Pasta Pesto pasta with pesto potatoes and green beans basil leaves in a white bowl potatoes green beans pasta torofie
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Atsuko

Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières

Bring the taste of Liguria to your kitchen with this authentic Pasta al Pesto Genovese!🌿 This traditional Italian recipe features al dente pasta tossed with fragrant homemade basil pesto, tender potatoes 🥔, and lightly cooked green beans—a classic, naturally healthy combination from the coastal region of Genoa. Whether served warm for a comforting meal or chilled 🍃 for a refreshing summer dish ☀️, this pasta is as versatile as it is satisfying. For the most authentic experience, try it with Trofie, the signature twisted pasta of Liguria that beautifully captures the sauce in every bite.😋
Expense
💵
Preparation
40 mins
Baking time
Rest Time

Ingredients

1 Portions
Metric Imperial
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:

For 4 people

How to make it:

1/ Prepare the Basil Pesto Sauce: Refer to myHomemade Pesto alla Genovese🌿for a fragrant, homemade version.

Pasta Pesto basil sauce in a chopper

2/ Cut the Vegetables: Dice the potatoes into 1 cm cubes and trim the green beans into 2 cm lengths.

3/ Boil the Potatoes and Green Beans: Cook the potatoes in salted water until they begin to soften. Then add green beans and boil for another 4 minutes.Pasta Pesto potatoes water in a pot

Pasta Pesto potatoes and green beans boiled water in a pot

4/ Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook your choice of pasta until al dente.

Pasta Pesto past torofie a slotted spoon boiled water in a pot

5/ Drain and Transfer the Vegetables: Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Pasta Pesto potatoes green beans and a slotted spoon in a hot water in a pot
Pasta Pesto potatoes and green beans in a bowl

6/ Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the potatoes and green beans. Gently toss to combine.

7/ Add the Pesto and Finish: Stir in the basil pesto 🌿 until well coated. Plate and top with grated cheese 🧀 if desired. Enjoy!

Pasta Pesto pasta torofie potatoes green beans and basil sauce in a bowl
Pasta Pesto pasta torofie with pesto potatoes and green beans in a bowl

⭐️ Trofie Pasta Is Traditional – but Not a Must: In Liguria, this dish is typically made with Trofie, a short, twisted pasta that holds the sauce beautifully. But don’t worry if you can’t find it—other short pasta like Fusilli or Penne works just fine.💚

⭐️ Perfectly Cooked Veggies Make All the Difference: Take care not to overcook the potatoes or green beans. They should be soft but still hold their shape, adding a pleasant texture and bright color to the dish.

⭐️ Great Warm or Chilled: This pasta is delicious served warm, but it’s also refreshing when served cold☀️perfect for summer lunches or make-ahead meals.

⭐️ Finish with Cheese for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino adds a rich umami boost. It’s a simple touch that enhances the overall flavor.🧀

Pasta Pesto pasta torofie with pesto potatoes and green beans basil leaves in a white bowl_potatoes green beans a green napkin on the table

Umami Sans Frontières – Copyrights 2026
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Written byAtsuko

Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières

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