Pasta with Green Beans and Almond Gremolata

1. Toast Almonds

Toast your almonds in a skillet over medium-low heat until they turn golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Let them cool slightly.

2. Prepare Gremolata

In a medium bowl, mix together the toasted almonds, celery leaves, lemon zest, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt to make the gremolata.

3. Cook Pasta and Beans

In a large pot of well-salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Just before it reaches al dente, add the string beans to the pot. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and beans.

4. Saute Garlic and Red-Pepper Flakes

Warm up olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sliced garlic and red-pepper flakes until the garlic is golden, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Reduce heat and add half a cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Let it reduce for 1-2 minutes. Add the drained pasta and beans, butter, cheese, and a 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss over medium heat until butter melts and cheese creates a glossy sauce, adding more pasta water if needed.

6. Serve with Gremolata

Transfer the pasta to a bowl, sprinkle with gremolata, drizzle with olive oil, and add extra grated cheese and lemon zest for garnish.