Trenette

A plate of trenette pasta with pesto sauce

Trenette is a type of pasta originating from the Liguria region of Italy. It is a long, narrow, flat pasta similar to linguine and is traditionally made from durum wheat flour and water. Trenette is often associated with the classic Ligurian dish "trenette al pesto," which features the pasta served with pesto, a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Characteristics

Trenette is characterized by its flat, ribbon-like shape, which allows it to hold sauces well. The pasta is typically about 4 millimeters wide, making it slightly wider than linguine but narrower than fettuccine. The texture of trenette is firm and chewy, providing a satisfying bite when cooked al dente.

Culinary Uses

Trenette is most famously used in the dish "trenette al pesto," which is a staple of Ligurian cuisine. In this dish, the pasta is cooked and then tossed with pesto sauce, often accompanied by potatoes and green beans, which are cooked in the same pot as the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Trenette al Pesto

To prepare trenette al pesto, the pasta is boiled in salted water until al dente. Meanwhile, potatoes and green beans are added to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Once cooked, the trenette, potatoes, and green beans are drained and mixed with freshly made pesto sauce. The dish is often garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Variations

While trenette al pesto is the most traditional preparation, trenette can also be served with a variety of other sauces. Some popular alternatives include:

• Trenette with Tomato Sauce: A simple preparation with a rich tomato-based sauce, often enhanced with garlic and basil.
• Trenette with Seafood: Trenette pairs well with seafood sauces, such as those made with clams, mussels, or shrimp.
• Trenette with Cream Sauce: A creamy sauce made with cream, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper can complement the pasta's texture.

Related Pages

• Pasta
• Linguine
• Pesto
• Italian cuisine