Green bean pesto pasta recipe

 Here’s a delicious and easy Green Bean Pesto Pasta recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• For the pesto:

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup cooked green beans (about 8 oz)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Once done, drain the pasta, saving a cup of pasta water to use later.

2. Prepare the pesto:

   • In a food processor, combine the basil, green beans, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
   • With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine:

   • In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto. If necessary, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the pesto coat the pasta evenly.

4. Serve:

   • Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves, and enjoy!

Optional Add-ins:

• Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for protein.
• A drizzle of extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar on top.

This pasta is fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! Let me know how it turns out!