Ligurian-Style Pasta

Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until just tender. With a slotted spoon, remove potatoes and keep warm.

Into the simmering water, add spaghetti and boil for 4 minutes. Add green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Return spaghetti and green beans to the pot. Cut the cooked potatoes into bite-size pieces and add to pot. Stir in pesto and about 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Add more cooking liquid if necessary to evenly coat all the pasta.

Serve immediately with grated Parmesan, if desired.