Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1115 · Trofie al Pesto Genovese

Trofie al Pesto Genovese, and where to source it

Trofie al Pesto Genovese — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Trofie al Pesto Genovese Italian 5best2buy.com

Pound the basil in a marble mortar, never a hot blender. Blade heat bruises the leaves black and turns the pesto bitter and dull.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineItalian
Cost$$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy · tree nuts
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Genovese basil
Small-leaf sweet basil, the Ligurian kind. Big-leaf basil tastes of mint and ruins it.
2 cups leaves
Source it →
Trofie
Short hand-rolled Ligurian twists. Dried is fine; the shape grips the pesto.
1 lb
Local / market
Pine nuts
Mediterranean pine nuts, raw and soft.
3 tbsp
Local / market
Parmigiano Reggiano
Aged 24 months, grated fine.
1/2 cup
Source it →
Pecorino Sardo
A little aged Sardinian sheep cheese sharpens the classic blend.
1/4 cup
Source it →
Garlic
One clove, young and mild.
1 clove
Source it →
Waxy potato
One, cubed and boiled with the pasta.
1
Local / market
Green beans
A handful, trimmed and boiled with the pasta.
1 handful
Source it →
Olive oil
Ligurian extra virgin, mild and buttery, not peppery.
1/2 cup
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Pound the garlicIn a marble mortar, pound the garlic and pine nuts with a pinch of salt to a paste.
  2. Add the basilAdd basil a handful at a time and grind against the walls until it turns bright green and creamy.
  3. Finish the pestoWork in both cheeses, then stream in the oil until loose and glossy. Never let it heat.
  4. Boil togetherBoil the potato and green beans with the trofie in one pot until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Toss off heatLoosen the pesto in the warm bowl with a spoon of pasta water, then toss in the drained pasta and vegetables off the heat.
The Toolkit

Mortar and pestle · Large pot · Colander

Straight Answers
Can you make Trofie al Pesto Genovese in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Trofie al Pesto Genovese? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Trofie al Pesto Genovese ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Trofie al Pesto Genovese gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Trofie al Pesto Genovese vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1115