PASTA, POTATO AND GREEN-BEAN TIAN WITH BASIL CREAM AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water, add the noodles and cook until al dente. Meanwhile, place the basil and 3/4 cup of olive oil in a food processor and process until combined. Add the cream, 3 teaspoons of salt and pepper and process until smooth. Drain the pasta, rinse and drain well. Place in a large bowl, add the basil cream and toss well. Set aside.
• Blanch the green beans in boiling water until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Drain well. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Set aside. Blanch the potato slices in boiling water until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain well. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place 1/3 of the noodle mixture in the bottom of a 12-by-3 1/2-inch round clay casserole dish. Top with 1/2 of the green beans and then 1/2 of the potatoes. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the pine nuts and 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining noodles, then the nuts and Parmesan. (The tian can be prepared a few hours ahead up to this point; bring to room temperature before baking.) Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Serve immediately.