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

Name: Authentic Pasta al Pesto Genovese with Potatoes and Green Beans🇮🇹
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 350g of pasta of your choice; 200g of potatoes; 150g of green beans; 400g of Genovese sauce (*Please refer to the recipe for Homemade Pesto alla Genovese🌿); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); Parmesan cheese (as much as you like [caption id="attachment_4642" align="aligncenter" width="300"] *Torofie pasta[/caption]

40 min prep40 minutes

Updated 18 Jul 2025

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.😋

Ingredients

For 4 people

350g of pasta of your choice
200g of potatoes
150g of green beans
400g of Genovese sauce (*Please refer to the recipe for Homemade Pesto alla Genovese🌿)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (as much as you like [caption id="attachment_4642" align="aligncenter" width="300"] *Torofie pasta[/caption]

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

How to make it

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

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 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

Good to know

⭐️ 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

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

Ingredients

How to make it

Good to know

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