Pasta with Basil Sauce (pesto), Green Beans, and Potatoes

 Ingredients: For 2 people: 200 g pasta (type penne, rigatoni, not spaghetti) 200 g green beans (not the broad ones) 1 potato 1 tomato (optional, but I added it) 4-5 tablespoons of basil pesto sauce "pesto alla genovese" Ingredients for "pesto" sauce 4 bunches of basil (fresh) 1 glass of good quality olive oil 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan (it should be original parmigiano) 3 tablespoons of grated sheep cheese 2 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of pine nuts 1 tablespoon of ground walnuts a little salt

Start by filling a large pot with water and putting it on the stove, waiting for it to reach a boiling point. When the water boils with large bubbles, don't forget to salt it well, to give flavor to the pasta. Add the green beans, cut into pieces of about 3-4 cm, and a peeled potato cut into cubes. The potato is not just a simple ingredient; it serves to enrich the basil sauce, providing a creamy texture and a pleasant density. Let everything boil for five to seven minutes, but be careful to check the beans! They should be tender, but without strings or threads that make them unpleasant to eat.

After the beans have boiled, add your favorite pasta to the pot, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking. Whether you choose spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve an al dente consistency. Once the pasta is ready, drain it carefully, letting it drain well. Put everything in a large salad bowl, where the flavors will have the chance to combine.

Now comes the magic moment: add high-quality "pesto" sauce. Mix everything with a spatula or wooden spoon, so that each piece of pasta and bean is evenly coated with this aromatic and delicious sauce. If you like, you can also add a fresh tomato, diced. It is important to choose a ripe tomato, to bring an extra freshness and a pleasant contrast of textures. If you prefer, you can avoid the seeds and use only the pulp, to keep the sauce cleaner.

If you can't find quality pesto in stores, don't be discouraged! You can quickly make one at home. Use fresh basil, nuts (pine or other types), grated parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Put all these ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste. However, for an authentic "pesto", you can use a marble mortar, where you will patiently crush the ingredients, thus releasing all the flavors.

Serving this dish is simple. You can add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a special look and an extra flavor. This colorful and flavorful platter is perfect for a family meal or with friends, being both nourishing and healthy. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors, letting yourself be carried away by Mediterranean tastes!

 Tags:  cheese garlic tomatoes potatoes bean oil olives nut vegetarian recipes