Luca Pasta! 30-minute one pot pasta that is delicious and made with fresh ingredients.
Where are my Disney/Pixar lovers? If you have small children, I am willing to bet you have seen the movie LUCA. This is the perfect oppurtunity to get the little chefs in the kitchen and build this famous pasta dish together. Of course, us adults love it too, what better way to get vegetables on our plates than in some pasta!
It is set on the Italian Rivera and stars Luca a sea monster who can turn human when he comes on land. He secretly does this while befriending a new pal. Alberto who is also a sea monster. They set out on the summer adventure of a lifetime! Of course, no Italian adventure is complete without experiencing the delicious Italian cuisine, and this is where the pasta comes in.
In the movie Lucas new human friends’ father, Giulia prepares Trenette Al Pesto for dinner. This is the sea monsters first time eating pasta. They dive right in with their hands because of course they don’t use forks in the sea, duh. It is a cute story emphasizing the struggle to fit in, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. Plus PASTA!
The movie stirred up a lot of attention from foodies for the mouthwatering dish and I know why it is delicious! Made with fresh basil pesto, yellow potatoes, green beans, and Trenette pasta.
If you cannot find Trenette pasta, Linguine is a good substitute. (That is what I use) Fresh basil and garlic is a must for the pesto. I recommend toasting the pine nuts for a rich nutty flavor. It is very easy to do. Just pop a handful into a small saucepan on med low heat and let them get golden brown.
The best part is everything is made in 1 pot. We start by boiling the potatoes in salted water, then goes the pasta, and lastly the green beans. Drain and toss in a bowl with the fresh pesto and some reserved pasta water. I like to garnish with extra parmesan cheese.
This pasta is easy and fun to make with the kids. It makes for a great bonding moment and a good way to get the kids interested in cooking pasta and family movie night for the win.
BUON APPETITO!
LUCA Pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Trenette or Linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp salt, plus a more for the pesto
- 3 small/medium Yellow potatoes, peeled, and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2/3 cup Fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- Handful of toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil 1-2 tbsp more if needed
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Start by toasting the pine nuts. Put the handful in a small saucepan over med low heat. Toss/stir while heating. They are finished once they are a light golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, garlic, and salt. Puree for 1 minute.
- Scrape down the sides and then add the pine nuts and parmesan cheese. Puree again for 1 minute more. Next is to add the olive oil. Puree and mix all the ingredients together. It should be a thick creamy mixture.
- Set aside and we will start on the pasta.
- In a large pot, add water and 1 tbsp. salt. Get the water to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil for 4 minutes.
- Now add the pasta and mix/boil for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, add the beans. Cook for 2-4 minutes more or until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the water.
- In a large bowl, add the pesto and 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Mix together. Next goes the pasta mixture.
- Toss it all together. You may add a more pasta water if needed.
- Serve with extra parmesan cheese.
- ENJOY!
