Trenette al Pesto Inspired By Pixar’s Luca
Pixar movies have a way of finding their way into your heart through emotional storytelling and inspiring visuals, and sometimes if we’re lucky, food takes center stage in those stories.
Luca is a coming-of-age story set in the Italian Riviera which means lots of gelato, scooter rides, and mouth-watering pasta. One scene in particular features Trenette al Pesto which is a simple dish that I often make for my kids and can be easily recreated at home. Trenette isn’t easy to find so I substitute linguini.
Trenette al Pesto is full of flavor and color. Sometimes I serve it with a side of colorful veggies like purple cauliflower and other times I make a side of chicken cutlets, the latter is usually at the insistence of my kids. Regardless, they also love this pasta as is. It’s warm and comforting and makes you feel good, just like a Pixar movie.
If you have doubts that you can’t make this recipe, simply tell yourself, “Silencio, Bruno!”
Trenette al Pesto Inspired By Pixar’s Luca
Ingredients:
3 to 4 cups fresh basil
1/3 cup pine nuts
4 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
16 ounces trenette or linguine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions:
Step 1: In the base of a blender, add the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend on low and drizzle in the olive oil, until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 3: In a large bowl toss pasta with pesto, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Serve immediately.
The colorful veggies would make it even more exciting.