15 Basil Pesto Italian Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
For those looking to add a burst of flavor to their Italian dishes, basil pesto is a must-try. This classic Italian sauce is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, creating a vibrant and delicious addition to any pasta or sandwich. But did you know that this Italian recipe has a history dating back centuries? Let's take a closer look at the origins of basil pesto and how you can make your own authentic version at home.
This flavorful Beer Can Chicken recipe is a twist on the classic Italian chicken and rice casserole. The chicken is infused with a delicious blend of herbs and spices, and the rice is cooked to perfection with tender vegetables and a rich tomato sauce. It's a satisfying one-pot meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
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Fresh Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh basil, and this Beer Can Chicken recipe takes full advantage of it with a homemade basil pesto sauce. The combination of fragrant basil, creamy pine nuts, and tangy parmesan cheese creates a sauce that is simply irresistible. It's perfect for slathering on top of the chicken before cooking, or drizzling over the finished dish for an extra burst of flavor.
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Breaded Zucchini & Eggplant Pasta w/ Chive-Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Flour, Eggs, Panko Bread Crumbs
If you're looking to add some extra veggies to your Beer Can Chicken, this recipe is for you. Thinly sliced zucchini and eggplant are breaded and baked until crispy, then tossed with al dente pasta and a creamy chive-basil pesto sauce. It's a fresh and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors.
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Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Grated Parmesan
No time to make a complicated sauce? No problem. This Beer Can Chicken recipe features an easy basil pesto sauce that comes together in just minutes. Simply blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese in a food processor until smooth, and you're ready to go. It adds a burst of flavor to the chicken and pairs perfectly with any side dish.
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Classic Italian Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Basil Leaves, Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
For a more traditional take on basil pesto, try this classic Italian recipe. It features the same ingredients as the easy version but adds the step of toasting the pine nuts for a deeper, nuttier flavor. It's a great option for those looking for a more authentic taste.
If you're in the mood for a hearty and satisfying sauce to go with your Beer Can Chicken, look no further than this traditional Italian bolognese. Made with ground beef, pancetta, and a rich tomato sauce, this sauce is simmered for hours to develop a deep and complex flavor. It's the perfect complement to the juicy and flavorful chicken.
For a show-stopping side dish, try these Italian stuffed artichokes alongside your Beer Can Chicken. Tender artichoke hearts are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection. They add a touch of elegance to any meal and are sure to impress your guests.
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Keto Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Parsley, Basil
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of basil pesto. This Beer Can Chicken recipe features a keto-friendly version of the sauce, made with avocado, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese. It's a tasty and healthy way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors.
For a truly authentic experience, try this Beer Can Chicken recipe with a homemade basil pesto that originated in Genoa, Italy. Made with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice, this sauce is the real deal. Serve it over the chicken or use it as a dipping sauce for a tasty and traditional meal.
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Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Grated Parmesan
Whether you make it from scratch or use a store-bought version, basil pesto is a must-try with your Beer Can Chicken. The fresh and vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese pair perfectly with the juicy and flavorful chicken. Try drizzling it over the finished dish for an extra burst of flavor.
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Fazzoletti with Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Flour, Egg Yolks, Eggs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you're looking to mix things up with your pasta, try this Beer Can Chicken recipe with fazzoletti - a thin, wrinkled pasta that resembles a handkerchief. Tossed with a homemade basil pesto sauce and topped with crispy prosciutto, this dish is a delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite flavors.
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Easy Classic Italian Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a classic Italian basil pesto, this recipe is for you. Made with just six ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes, this easy version is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great way to add a burst of flavor to your Beer Can Chicken without a lot of effort.
Who says meatballs have to be served with spaghetti? This Beer Can Chicken recipe features tender and flavorful Italian meatballs that are perfect for pairing with the chicken. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for an irresistible taste.
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Gnocchi with Basil Pesto and Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Fresh Gnocchi, Basil, Pine Nuts, Garlic Cloves
If you're a fan of gnocchi, this Beer Can Chicken recipe is a must-try. Tender potato dumplings are tossed with a homemade basil pesto sauce and sautéed mushrooms for a rich and satisfying dish. The flavors of the pesto and chicken complement each other perfectly, making this a winning combination.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For a truly hearty and filling meal, try these great big Italian meatballs alongside your Beer Can Chicken. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are packed with flavor and cooked in a rich and savory tomato sauce. They're perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken.
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Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Hot Italian Sausage, Mozzarella Cheese
This Beer Can Chicken recipe features a comforting and satisfying Italian sausage penne casserole. The pasta is cooked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with crumbled Italian sausage and a blend of melted cheeses. It's a great way to add some variety to your meal and please the whole family.
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Summer Zucchini, Fresh Ricotta & Basil Pesto Over Pasta
Main Ingredients: Onion, Zucchini, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Basil
If you're looking for a light and fresh side dish to go with your Beer Can Chicken, try this summer zucchini and fresh ricotta pasta. Tossed with a homemade basil pesto and topped with shaved parmesan cheese, this dish is packed with seasonal flavors and perfect for a warm summer evening.
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Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic, Olive Oil, Parmigiano
This Italian chicken recipe features a flavorful blend of basil pesto, juicy grape tomatoes, and tender chicken breasts. Simply toss the chicken with the pesto and tomatoes, then bake it to perfection. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors.
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Arugula and Basil Pesto Risotto with Sauteed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Basil, Baby Arugula, Olive Oil, Walnuts
Risotto is the perfect side dish for any meal, and this Beer Can Chicken recipe features a unique twist on the classic dish. Made with a blend of arugula and basil pesto and topped with sautéed mushrooms, this risotto is a flavorful and satisfying addition to your meal.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Tomato
No Italian meal is complete without lasagna, and this Beer Can Chicken recipe is no exception. Layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella, this lasagna is a delicious and hearty side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The Origins of Basil Pesto
Ancient Rome
The use of herbs and garlic in sauces can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were often used to enhance the flavor of bland foods. However, the first mention of a sauce similar to pesto comes from a Roman cookbook called De Re Coquinaria. This sauce, known as moretum, was made with herbs, garlic, and cheese, and was typically eaten with bread.
The Birth of Modern Pesto
It wasn't until the 19th century that basil pesto as we know it today was born. In the city of Genoa, in the Liguria region of Italy, the traditional recipe for pesto alla genovese was created. This version used fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, blended together with olive oil using a mortar and pestle. This labor-intensive method of preparation is still used by many today, as it is said to produce the best flavor and texture.
Making Your Own Basil Pesto
Ingredients
To make your own basil pesto, you will need:
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a food processor, add the basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running, until the mixture is well blended.
Add in the parmesan cheese and continue blending until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Now that you know the history behind basil pesto and how to make your own, it's time to try it out for yourself. Whether you use it as a pasta sauce, spread on a sandwich, or as a dip for bread, this Italian recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Buon appetito!
