pasta al pesto
/ˈpas.ta al ˈpes.to/word by word
The English phrase "pesto pasta" is translated into Italian as pasta al pesto.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, pasta al pesto means "pasta with pesto". The word al is a contraction of the preposition a (meaning with or at) and the article il (the).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the combination of the preposition a and the definite article il to form al is used to indicate the flavoring or characterizing ingredient of a dish.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word order pesto pasta. In Italian, the main ingredient is placed first, followed by the flavoring, resulting in pasta al pesto.
Did you know?
- Authentic pasta al pesto often includes boiled potatoes and green beans cooked in the same water as the pasta, which is a traditional Ligurian custom.
- In Italy, it is considered a culinary error to heat pesto in a pan. Instead, the sauce is mixed into the hot pasta off the heat to preserve the bright green color and fresh taste.
- While English speakers use 'pesto' as a noun for the sauce, the word pesto in Italian is actually a past participle meaning 'pounded'.
Examples in context
- Una deliziosa pasta al pesto genovese.A delicious pesto pasta from Genoa.
- Spaghetti al pesto.Spaghetti with pesto.
- Una pasta al pesto con pomodorini.A pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes.
- Vorrei gustare una deliziosa pasta al pesto!I would like to savor a delicious pesto pasta!
- Mi piace molto la pasta al pesto.I really like pesto pasta.
- Vuoi provare la nostra pasta al pesto?Do you want to try our pesto pasta?
- Ho cucinato la pasta al pesto per cena.I cooked pesto pasta for dinner.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are deciding what to have for lunch.
- GiuliaAlessandro, cosa vuoi mangiare oggi?Alessandro, what do you want to eat today?
- AlessandroHo molta voglia di una pasta al pesto.I really feel like some pesto pasta.
- GiuliaOttima idea, ho tutto in cucina!Great idea, I have everything in the kitchen!
- AlessandroGrazie, Giulia, sei molto gentile.Thanks, Giulia, you are very kind.
