Penne with Almond Pesto and Green Beans

A fresh and flavorful pasta dish combining homemade almond-basil pesto with perfectly cooked penne and crisp green beans, topped with Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds.

4 servings
20 min

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup toasted almonds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound penne
  • 8 ounces green beans
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Pulse garlic, basil, 1/2 cup almonds, and 1 tsp. salt in a food processor until combined. With the motor running, slowly add oil and pulse again until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Cook penne in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, and add green beans 30 seconds before pasta is al dente. Drain pasta and green beans, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid, and add to pesto. Stir vigorously and add pasta cooking liquid as needed to fully coat. Season with salt.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    Transfer pasta mixture to a serving bowl or platter and top with Parmesan and remaining 2 Tbsp. almonds. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

    3 min