Description
This vibrant Pesto Pasta with Potatoes and Green Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender potatoes, al dente pasta, and crisp green beans in a savory vegetable broth, all tossed with fresh basil pesto. Finished with toasted pine nuts and freshly grated Parmesan, it’s a delightful meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups small potatoes, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 cups dry short pasta (penne, fusilli, or orecchiette)
- 1 1/2 cups green beans, trimmed and halved
Pesto & Toppings
- 3/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring the Broth to a Boil: Pour the vegetable broth into a large pot and bring it to a full, rolling boil to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes to the boiling broth. Simmer for about 3 minutes to start softening them while keeping their shape for the next step.
- Add the Pasta: Toss in the dry pasta and cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows potatoes and pasta to absorb the seasoned broth flavors.
- Add Green Beans: Stir in the green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until beans are tender-crisp and pasta is al dente.
- Drain and Toss with Pesto: Drain off the broth, reserving a splash for a creamier sauce if desired. Return the pasta, potatoes, and beans to the pot. Scoop in the pesto and gently stir until well-coated. Add reserved broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Top and Serve: Serve the pasta hot in bowls or on a platter. Sprinkle generously with toasted pine nuts and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy and flavorful finish.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Make it vegan by using vegan pesto and substituting Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese; omit pine nuts if desired.
- Add more vegetables like broccoli florets, zucchini slices, or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Try gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or gnocchi as alternative pasta options.
- Enhance flavor with lemon zest or chili flakes for a bright, zesty finish.
- Toast pine nuts lightly to enhance their buttery crunch.
