When you think of Italian coastal cuisine, whole wheat fusilli with green beans, shrimp tails, and a creamy basil sauce is probably what comes to mind. It’s great for when the weather warms up and basil is super fresh. Really good stuff. The whole wheat pasta has this nutty flavor that makes every bite feel more rustic and unique. And you know what really sets this recipe apart? It's that mix of tender green beans and juicy shrimp tails—a true 'terra e mare' experience. Seriously good, mixing those land and sea flavors that are so beloved along the Ligurian coast. The basil sauce acts like the perfect glue, bringing it all together with its fresh, herbal touch.
For those who really really appreciate the details, this dish is "da veri intenditori"—for the true fans of fine flavors. It's all about balance, you know, with a little crunch from the veggies, a hint of the sea from the shrimp, and that creamy, herby sauce tying it all together. And here's the thing: when summer rolls around and you’re craving something both light and filling, this whole grain pasta dish is just right. It's kinda perfect.
You see, it fits right in with those healthy pasta recipes you'd find in Italian coastal towns. It is got a laid-back vibe but still brings an explosion of flavor, thanks to the basil sauce and the way the green beans and shrimp tails soak it up. And, look, you don’t need anything fancy—just simple, quality ingredients coming together in a way that feels like a celebration. In Liguria and other seaside spots, this is the go-to meal when you want something special but not too heavy, maybe for a weekend lunch or a fun gathering with friends.
The mix of moist shrimp, crisp beans, and silky sauce can make even a regular weeknight feel like a mini celebration. Really! There’s something about those classic coastal flavors—fresh basil, good olive oil, and seafood—that turns a bowl of whole wheat fusilli into so much more than just another meal. It’s like experiencing a real Italian summer on a plate, no matter where you are. Pretty simple, right?
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To prepare the whole wheat fusilli with green beans, shrimp tails, and a tasty basil sauce, first clean the shrimp: after rinsing them thoroughly, remove the head and legs 1, remove the shell 2, gently remove the intestine with a toothpick 3, and set them aside.
Then focus on the green beans: wash them, trim them 4 and cut them in half 5; place a clove of garlic to sauté in the pan with the oil 6, and when it is well golden,
add the green beans 7 and cook them, gradually adding vegetable broth 8, one ladle at a time so that they absorb the liquid well, then salt and pepper them, cover with a lid 9, and let them cook for at least 10-12 minutes.
Cook the pasta 10, and in the meantime, prepare the basil sauce: gently rinse the basil leaves in a bowl of cold water, then dry them well 11, place them in a blender with the extra virgin olive oil 12,
and after blending the basil leaves well 13, transfer the mixture to a tall-sided bowl and use an immersion blender to make it smooth 14, so there are no more basil leaf residues, then add a ladle of pasta cooking water 15 to the sauce to dilute it and make it even creamier.
In the pan, together with the green beans, add the shrimp 16 and sauté for a few minutes, then drain the pasta 17 and transfer it to the pan using a slotted spoon 18.
Then add the basil sauce to the pan 19, mix to combine the dressing well with all the ingredients 20, and your whole wheat fusilli with green beans, shrimp tails, and tasty basil sauce are ready to be served 21!
