Pasta with Green Bean Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, and Olives

I will describe a recipe for preparing a delicious green bean pesto pasta, enriched with cherry tomatoes and olives for a touch of freshness and Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

• 320 g of pasta (for example, trofie or linguine)
• 150 g of fresh green beans
• 200 g of cherry tomatoes
• 100 g of pitted black olives
• 100 g of Genoese pesto
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Clean the green beans by removing the ends and wash them under running water. Cut them in half if they are particularly long.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and cook the green beans in it for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the green beans from the water and plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking process and keep their bright color. Do not throw away the bean cooking water.
4. In the same water, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
5. Meanwhile, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the olives into rounds or leave them whole if you prefer.
6. Drain the pasta al dente, saving some of the cooking water, and pour the pasta into a large bowl.
7. Add the pesto to the pasta and mix well. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of the cooking water to make the sauce creamier.
8. Add the green beans, cherry tomatoes, and olives, and gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
9. If desired, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste, and finally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Serve your green bean pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and olives immediately, enjoying the blend of fresh and genuine flavors.

Curiosity

This dish is an even richer and more summery variant of the traditional pesto pasta. Green beans and potatoes are typical pairings with pesto in Ligurian cuisine, while the addition of cherry tomatoes and olives provides a touch of freshness and liveliness that evokes the colors and flavors of the Mediterranean. Each ingredient contributes to creating a unique and delicious taste experience.