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–+ servings

Trenette al Pesto Inspired by Luca

The Starving Chef
A delightful combination of tender pasta, creamy pesto sauce, golden potatoes, and crisp green beans, reminiscent of the flavors that captivated Luca and Alberto's taste buds in their Italian adventures.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Copycat Recipes, Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Italian, Movies, Pasta
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

FOR PESTO

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup fresh Romano cheese grated
  • ¾ cup fresh Pamesan cheese grated
  • 6-8 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

FOR PASTA

  • 4 servings linguine
  • 2-4 golden potatoes chopped
  • 1 cup green beans snapped into half inch pieces
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Chill the food processor and blade in the freezer for at least 30 minutes prior to blending the pesto for best results. Prep the potatoes and green beans during this time.
  • Place the basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, Romano, salt, and half of the olive oil into the food processor and begin blending. Slowly pour the remaining olive oil into the food processor as it is running to get the pesto to a smooth consistency. Place the bowl of the food processor with the blade still in place in the fridge while making the pasta.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling simmer. Add the sea salt to the water. Once boiling, add the potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes or until just beginning to lose their firmness.
  • Add the green beans to the pot with the potatoes and continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes or until the green beans are tender but retain some of their snap.
  • Remove the cooked green beans and potatoes from water with a sieve and set aside.
  • In the same water, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the box for al dente pasta. About halfway through, use a measuring cup to reserve about 1 cup of the water.
  • Remove the food processor from the fridge and reattach it to the base. Pour the reserved pasta water into the food processor while blending on low speed. Blend until the pesto is smooth.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot along with the potatoes and green beans. Reduce the temperature to medium-low. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat everything in the pesto evenly.
  • Serve right away - and eat with your hands if you're a sea monster. Enjoy!
Keyword basil, Parmesan, pasta, pesto, potatoes
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