Why You’ll Love This Runner Beans Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is a perennial favorite for many, and it’s certainly one of my top choices for an easy weeknight dinner. While I often serve it with a crisp green salad on the side, this recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating fresh runner beans directly into the dish. This addition not only boosts the vegetable content but also adds a fantastic texture and a depth of flavor that complements the vibrant pesto beautifully.

This Runner Beans Pesto Pasta recipe is a game-changer because it allows you to create a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort. Imagine a satisfying, healthy, and flavorful dish on your table in under 15 minutes, all prepared in just one pan. Fewer dishes to wash after a long day? Yes, please! It’s the perfect solution for busy individuals or families looking for a nutritious and delicious meal without the fuss.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the synergy of its ingredients. The runner beans absorb the pesto’s herbaceous notes, making each bite an explosion of taste. The creamy texture, combined with the slight crunch of pine nuts and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese, creates a truly irresistible experience. It’s a vegetarian dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly light and packed with goodness.

Getting to Know Runner Beans

Runner beans are a genuine seasonal delight, typically gracing our tables from June to October. You can often spot them at local farmer’s markets, in the produce aisle of larger grocery stores, or even growing in your own backyard if you enjoy gardening – they are known to be an easy crop to cultivate! When purchasing, you might find them pre-sliced (which is common in many regions) or whole. Always remember to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness until you’re ready to use them.

Distinct from their green bean cousins, runner beans are typically flatter and possess a noticeably coarser skin. This characteristic means they benefit greatly from being cut into smaller, more manageable pieces before cooking. Slicing them ensures they cook evenly and become tender, integrating perfectly into your pasta dish. Once prepared, runner beans are incredibly versatile; they can be boiled, steamed, baked, or stir-fried. In this particular recipe, we’ll be cooking them alongside your pasta, infusing them with flavor and ensuring they are perfectly tender-crisp.

Beyond their unique texture and flavor, runner beans are also a healthy addition to your diet. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin K and C), and minerals, contributing to digestive health and overall well-being. Incorporating them into your meals is an excellent way to enjoy seasonal produce and boost your nutrient intake.

Essential Ingredients for Runner Beans & Penne Pesto

To whip up this incredibly satisfying Runner Beans Pesto Pasta, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The exact quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this article, but here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish truly special:

• Penne: While spaghetti or linguini are classic choices for pesto pasta, penne offers an exceptional pairing with sliced runner beans. Its tubular shape and ridged surface are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy pesto sauce, ensuring every forkful is perfectly coated with both pasta and veggies. Don’t forget to generously salt your cooking water; this is your only chance to infuse the pasta itself with flavor. Remember, pesto adds some seasoning, but it shouldn’t be overly salty on its own.
• Runner Beans: As discussed, these unique beans are flatter and have a coarser skin than standard green beans, necessitating slicing before use. Aim for uniform ¼-inch slices, which can be achieved with a sharp knife or a dedicated French bean slicer. If runner beans are out of season or unavailable, fresh string beans (sliced) make a suitable, albeit slightly different, substitute.
• Pesto: The heart of this dish! Whether you opt for a homemade basil pesto for that ultimate fresh flavor or a high-quality store-bought version, ensure it’s delicious. Crucially, pesto should be stirred into the pasta *off the stove* and in a cool bowl or pot. The delicate basil leaves in pesto can quickly oxidize and turn black when exposed to excessive heat, which can dull both its vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Pine Nuts: These small, buttery seeds are essential for adding a delightful nutty flavor and a subtle textural crunch to your runner beans pesto pasta. Toasting them lightly before adding can enhance their aroma and taste even further.
• Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving is non-negotiable. As it gently melts from the residual heat of the pasta, it blends seamlessly with the sauce, adding a savory, umami richness that ties all the flavors together. Simply terrific!

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor with extra vegetables. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while spinach or kale can be wilted in at the end. Sautéed zucchini or bell peppers would also be fantastic.
• Protein Power: To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pair beautifully with pesto. For a plant-based option, chickpeas or cannellini beans tossed in at the end provide a satisfying boost.
• Different Pesto Types: While basil pesto is classic, don’t shy away from other varieties. Sun-dried tomato pesto offers a richer, tangier profile, or try a kale pesto for an earthier flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply use a dairy-free pesto (ensure it doesn’t contain Parmesan) and omit the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for a cheesy flavor.
• Nut Alternatives: If pine nuts are expensive or unavailable, walnuts or almonds can be pulsed into your homemade pesto or toasted and sprinkled on top for a similar nutty crunch.

How to Prepare Creamy Pesto and Runner Bean Pasta

Preparing this flavorful pesto pasta is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even the busiest evenings. You’ll find a fully printable recipe card with all the precise measurements and a detailed step-by-step guide at the bottom of this blog post. But here’s an overview of the simple process:

1. Cook the Penne: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it for precisely 5 minutes. This initial cooking time ensures the pasta has a head start before the beans are introduced.
2. Add the Runner Beans: After the initial 5 minutes, add the pre-sliced runner beans to the pot with the pasta. Let them simmer together for an additional 4 minutes. This timing ensures both the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture and the runner beans are tender-crisp.
3. Combine with Pesto and Pine Nuts: Carefully drain the pasta and runner beans mixture, reserving a small amount of pasta water if desired (it can help loosen the sauce later). Immediately transfer everything into a cool bowl or a pot that has been removed from the heat. Stir in the pesto and pine nuts. The key here is to avoid excessive heat, which can cause the basil in the pesto to turn dark and lose its vibrant flavor. Using a cool vessel helps maintain its fresh green color.
4. Serve with Parmesan: Once the pesto is evenly distributed, add a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the cheese begins to melt and coats the pasta and beans. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of fresh Caprese salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Runner Beans & Penne Pesto

Andréa

Can I use frozen runner beans?

Yes, you can use frozen runner beans, but they might have a slightly softer texture compared to fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them to the boiling pasta water as directed in the recipe and cook for the specified time.

What kind of pesto is best for this recipe?

Classic basil pesto works wonderfully, providing a fresh and aromatic base. You can use homemade pesto for the best flavor, or a high-quality store-bought option. Just ensure it’s a good quality basil pesto without any artificial flavors.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this Runner Beans Pesto Pasta vegan, choose a plant-based pesto that doesn’t contain Parmesan cheese. You can often find vegan pesto varieties in stores or make your own with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Simply omit the grated Parmesan cheese at the end, or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Can I add other herbs to the dish?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a few basil leaves (added at the very end, off the heat) can enhance the freshness. A sprinkle of fresh oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick would also be delicious.