Trofie al Pesto
Trofie al Pesto is a classic Italian dish from Liguria, featuring twisted pasta served with a vibrant, aromatic basil pesto. This vegan version retains all the traditional flavors while being completely plant-based, making it a delightful and wholesome lunch option.

25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Italian
520 kcal
Ingredients
- Trofie pasta - 200 grams
- Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
- Pine nuts - 30 grams
- Nutritional yeast - 3 tablespoons
- Garlic - 1 clove
- Extra virgin olive oil - 100 ml
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the trofie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto by combining the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a food processor.
- Blend the ingredients while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained trofie with the pesto. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional pine nuts and basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 61 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, promoting heart health.
- Packed with antioxidants and vitamins from fresh basil, supporting overall wellness.
Tags
ItalianVeganLunch