Trofie alla Portofino: Fresh Pesto & Tomato Pasta Delight

Trofie alla Portofino – A Flavorful Italian Delight

Trofie alla Portofino is a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish hailing from the Italian Riviera, offering a delightful combination of pesto, fresh cherry tomatoes, and the richness of cheese. This dish, with its bright flavors, is sure to transport you to the sunny coastal town of Portofino. With the perfect balance of ingredients, this pasta brings together earthy pesto, sweet tomatoes, and the warmth of olive oil—making it the ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Trofie alla Portofino

Instructions for Making Trofie alla Portofino

1. Prepare the Pesto
   Start by preparing the pesto, which is the heart of this dish. If you have a mortar and pestle, use it for an authentic experience. Begin by placing the garlic clove into the mortar and crushing it gently to release its flavor. Once the garlic is finely chopped, add the fresh basil leaves. Continue to grind and combine until a rough paste forms. If you do not have a mortar, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients together.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
   While your pesto is resting, move on to the tomato sauce. Wash the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. In a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved tomatoes, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté for a few minutes. Once the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices, pass them through a fine sieve or food mill to extract the sauce, discarding the skins and seeds. This will create a smooth, velvety tomato sauce.

3. Combine Tomato Sauce and Pesto
   Take the freshly made tomato sauce and return it to the heat. Add the freshly prepared pesto to the sauce and stir thoroughly. The result should be a smooth, aromatic sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness of the tomatoes with the richness of the pesto. Continue to cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together. If necessary, adjust the seasoning with more salt or olive oil to taste.

4. Cook the Trofie Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a pinch of coarse salt to the water, then drop in the trofie pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 10 minutes, until the trofie are al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Combine Pasta with Sauce
   Once the pasta is ready, drain it well, reserving a bit of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the tomato and pesto sauce. Toss the pasta gently, ensuring that the sauce coats each piece of trofie beautifully. If the sauce seems too thick, add a spoonful of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Add the Finishing Touches
   Finally, stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Pecorino cheese, and a sprinkle of pine nuts for an added crunch. Toss everything together to allow the cheese to melt into the warm sauce. If you like, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for extra flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the Trofie alla Portofino warm, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water to enhance the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Tips for the Perfect Trofie alla Portofino

• Pesto Variation: If you prefer a slightly milder pesto, feel free to reduce the amount of garlic or substitute some of the basil with spinach for a different flavor.
• Cheese Choices: The mix of Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino is classic, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses such as Grana Padano for a similar taste.
• Add Protein: If you want to make the dish heartier, add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Trofie alla Portofino is a beautiful, rustic dish that celebrates fresh ingredients in a simple yet effective way. With its rich pesto, tangy tomato sauce, and tender trofie pasta, it brings the essence of the Italian coastline right to your dinner table. Whether you are cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and effortless charm. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your home!