Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Liguria with this authentic Trofie al Pesto recipe, a true celebration of Italy's culinary heritage. Featuring handmade trofie pasta tossed in a luscious basil pesto, this dish combines the fresh, herbaceous aroma of basil with the nutty richness of pine nuts and the savory punch of Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses. The pesto, effortlessly blended to silky perfection with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of garlic, clings to the pastaβs signature twisted shape, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a standout addition to a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Serve with extra cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish!
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and cook the trofie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 12-15 minutes).
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, grated Pecorino cheese, pine nuts, garlic clove, and a pinch of coarse sea salt.
Pulse the ingredients a few times to start breaking them down. Then, with the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Place the drained pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the basil pesto and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, and an optional drizzle of olive oil.
Calories |
2934 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 162.1 g | 208% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.8 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 78 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 7975 mg | 347% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 294.4 g | 107% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 85.1 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1006 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1061 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.