Pasta with French Style Green Beans and Parsley Sauce

Delicious Linguine with Green Beans and Herby Pesto

For this vibrant dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into thin strips (approximately 3 cups)
• 8 ounces uncooked linguine
• 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, loosely packed
• 10 large fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup light olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for the water
• 1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
• 2 ounces grated pecorino Romano cheese (about half a cup), with extra for serving

Preparation Steps to Craft Your Culinary Masterpiece

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, introduce the green beans and cook them for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds, until they're perfectly tender. Use a spider tool to carefully transfer the beans into a colander and set them aside.

2. Bring the water back to a boil and add the linguine. Cook the pasta, stirring frequently, until it reaches an al dente texture, roughly 10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta along with the beans into the colander—this will help warm the beans if they've cooled down.

3. In a food processor or blender, combine the parsley, basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne. Pulse the mixture until it’s mostly pureed but still retains a bit of chunkiness—this should take about 8 to 10 pulses. Transfer this bright mixture to a serving bowl that has been warmed and mix in the pecorino Romano cheese, setting it aside for later.

4. Now, combine the drained pasta and green beans with the exquisite pesto in the serving bowl. Toss them together to ensure everything is well coated. If the pesto feels too thick, gradually add the reserved cooking liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

5. Serve your delectable dish immediately, offering additional pecorino Romano cheese at the table for those who desire more flavor.

Pro Tip for Meal Prepping

If you’re looking to save time, feel free to prepare the pesto up to 3 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container within the fridge to preserve its fresh flavors.

Substitution & Pairing Suggestions

Although regular green beans work beautifully, consider using French haricots verts for a more delicate texture. Pair this delightful dish with a fresh, herbal Sauvignon Blanc for an exquisite dining experience.