Trenette Al Pesto

Trenette al pesto is a vibrant and flavor-packed meal that combines linguine with fresh basil, golden potatoes, and string beans. This Disney-inspired dish is kid-friendly, completely plant-based, and can be served as a quick weeknight dinner or elegant main course.

What is trenette al pesto?

Trenette al pesto is a traditional Ligurian dish that comes from the beautiful country of Italy. In recent years, this recipe has increased in popularity thanks to its spotlight in the Disney Pixar movie, Luca.

This dish is a real crowd-pleaser with its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant, herbaceous flavors. Trenette al pesto not only has a beautiful green color from the basil, but the al dente pasta adds an irresistibly chewy and tender texture once it’s all mixed together.

Using simple ingredients and cooking techniques, this versatile recipe comes together in no time! It’s perfect for any day of the week, whether it’s a family dinner, date night, or late-night craving moment.

Serve it as a stand-alone dish, or pair it alongside a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Oh, and did I mention it’s kid-approved?!

Is trenette al pesto vegan?

This rendition of Luca trenette al pesto is made completely vegan since it omits the Parmesan Reggiano that’s typically included in basil pesto. Instead, I opted for nutritional yeast to provide a similar cheesy, umami flavor, while still keeping the dish plant-based. 

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Basil leaves: If you can get your hands on some, Genovese basil is preferred for the pesto sauce. You can also make this recipe with a batch of homemade spinach pesto.
• String beans: Also known as green beans, string beans add a slightly sweet, garden-fresh flavor. Green peas also work.
• Potatoes: I suggest using Yukon Gold potatoes. They add a creamy flavor and texture to the pasta. They can be replaced with white potatoes if need be.
• Olive oil: Helps the sauce blend and provides a rich flavor. For an oil-free sauce, use aquafaba (the brine from a can of chickpeas).
• Pine nuts: Creates a rich, buttery pesto consistency. You can also substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds if they are expensive.
• Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami-rich element to the pesto. No nutritional yeast available? Replace it with store-bought vegan Parmesan. 
• Garlic: Provides intense savory, zesty, and full-bodied flavors. If you’re making this recipe for young kids, you can always leave out a few cloves.
• Lemon juice: Imparts a slight acidity that balances the richness of the nuts and olive oil. 
• Salt: In addition to nutritional yeast, salt helps emulate the flavor of dairy-based Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust it to your preferences.
• Red pepper flakes: For a slight heat, I like to add red pepper flakes to my pesto. Feel free to leave this ingredient out, especially if you have little ones.
• Pasta: You can use any ribbon pasta variety like linguine, fettuccine, or tagliatelle. You can also use zoodles as a low-carb option.

How to make trenette al pesto

• Step 1: Roughly chop the potato and place it into a large pot of boiling water along with the string beans. Boil both veggies until the potatoes are nice and tender.

• Step 2: For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the pine nuts in a skillet over low-medium heat for a couple of minutes. Just be careful not to let them burn!

• Step 3: Once the potatoes and string beans are cooked, transfer them to a blender with the rest of the pesto ingredients. Blend the mixture until no chunks remain, adding water if need be to move the blender along.

• Step 4: Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente, then drain it and save some pasta water. Combine the pesto sauce, the cooked pasta, and the pasta water until it is well combined.

What to serve with trenette al pesto

Once your trenette al pesto is tossed and ready to eat, pair it with garnishes like these:

• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• A dash of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Toasted pine nuts for a bit of texture
• Fresh basil leaves for a colorful touch
• Grated vegan Parmesan cheese
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftover trenette al pesto, follow these simple storage and reheating instructions: 

• Fridge: Once cooled, store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: You can freeze the pesto separately for up to 3 months, but I don’t recommend freezing cooked pasta.
• Reheat: Add a little olive oil to a saucepan over low heat and warm the trenette al pesto until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also add a splash of water to loosen the sauce in the pan.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Try a gluten-free pasta brand to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
• Different greens: Swap in arugula or spinach instead of basil for a different base flavor in the pesto.
• Nuts & seeds: Instead of pine nuts, use almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or cashews for a less expensive option and unique flavor.
• Spice: Add an extra kick with more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Top tips

• Use fresh basil: Source the freshest basil available to you for the most vibrant taste. You can even try growing your own!
• Toast the nuts: Although optional, I recommend toasting the pine nuts for a deeper, nuttier, and more complex pesto flavor.
• Quality olive oil: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a rich flavor.
• Cook until al dente: Start checking on the pasta 2-3 minutes before the listed time on the package. You’ll know it’s al dente when there is a small white speck left in the center.
• Save the pasta water: The reserved pasta water not only loosens up the pesto, but it also adds flavor and helps the sauce stick to the pasta.

FAQ

Similar Recipes

If you enjoyed this Luca trenette al pesto recipe, be sure to check out some more of my favorite pasta dishes like these:

• Vegan Red Curry Pasta: A fusion between Thai and Italian food. 
• Lemon Orzo Salad: A simple salad made with Mediterranean flavors.
• Mushroom Couscous: A hearty and satisfying dish ready in 20 minutes.
• Linguine Pasta: Simple Italian dish served with garlic herb sauce.
• Vegan Baked Pasta: The vegan version of the famous TikTok recipe.