Cavatelli with Basil Pesto and Green Beans

4 servings

Ingredients

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 oz green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
1 lb dried cavatelli pasta
1 cup grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, plus more for serving
½ cup basil pesto, see recipe below

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Let cook to al dente, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Add the green beans and cook for the remainder of the time. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta. Place in a serving bowl. Gently mix in the [esto, pasta water, and cheese. Serve in individual serving bowls.

 


Basil Pesto

Ingredients

4 packed cups of washed basil leaves
½ cup shelled pistachio nuts, pignoli, or walnuts
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Place the pistachios, garlic, salt, and pepper in a processor bowl. Process until the nuts and garlic are chopped.

Add the basil leaves and process for a minute or two. In the opening spout at the top, pour the olive oil as you process.

Keep processing until the mixture is smooth. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Caprese Salad

2-3 servings

Ingredients

2 large vine ripe tomatoes
4 oz fresh mozzarella
Black Olives
Extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin

Directions

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into 1/4″ slices.

Assemble the salad by layering slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves on a serving plate.

Season with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.

Scatter a few olives around the serving plate and serve.


Posted by in Basil pesto, Cheese, green beans, Pasta, Salad, tomatoes, Vegetables