17 Fresh Pesto Recipe Italian Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Fresh pesto is a staple in Italian cuisine and can elevate any dish with its vibrant and aromatic flavors. Making your own pesto from scratch is easier than you think and will impress your family and friends with its authentic taste. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Italian pesto recipe that is simple, yet bursting with freshness and complexity of flavors. Get ready to add this classic condiment to your cooking repertoire and experience the true taste of Italy.
Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that will please the whole family? Look no further than this Italian Chicken and Rice Casserole. Made with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
To start, prepare your chicken by seasoning it with Italian herbs and garlic powder. Bake it in the oven until fully cooked. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Once both are done, mix them together in a large casserole dish.
Next, it's time to make the creamy tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat up some olive oil and add in diced onions and minced garlic. Once they're translucent, add in some diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes before pouring it over the chicken and rice in the casserole dish.
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Fresh Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
If you're looking for a versatile and flavorful sauce to add to your dishes, look no further than Fresh Basil Pesto. This simple yet delicious sauce is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
To make this pesto, start by toasting the pine nuts in a pan until they are lightly browned. Then, combine them in a food processor with fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic. Pulse until everything is well combined and then add in some grated parmesan cheese and pulse again until you have a smooth and creamy pesto.
This sauce is perfect for topping pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a marinade for chicken or fish. The possibilities are endless with this flavorful and versatile sauce.
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Breaded Zucchini & Eggplant Pasta w/ Chive-Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Flour, Eggs, Panko Bread Crumbs
For a twist on traditional pasta dishes, try this Breaded Zucchini & Eggplant Pasta with Chive-Basil Pesto. This dish is packed with flavor and is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
To make this dish, start by breading slices of zucchini and eggplant in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Bake them in the oven until they are crispy and tender. While they're cooking, prepare your pasta according to package instructions.
In a separate pan, sauté some diced onions and minced garlic in some olive oil. Then, add in the cooked pasta and the breaded zucchini and eggplant. Toss everything together and top it off with a generous helping of Chive-Basil Pesto. Delicious and nutritious!
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Classic Italian Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Basil Leaves, Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
For a classic and authentic Italian flavor, try this Classic Italian Basil Pesto Sauce. This sauce is made with the traditional ingredients of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and pecorino romano cheese.
To make this sauce, follow the same steps as Fresh Basil Pesto, but substitute the pecorino romano cheese for the parmesan cheese. This will give the sauce a slightly different flavor, but it will still be just as delicious.
Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a dipping sauce for bread and vegetables. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor.
If you want to take your pesto game to the next level, try this Authentic Italian Basil Pesto. This sauce is made with all the traditional ingredients, but with a few extra steps to give it an authentic taste.
Start by toasting the pine nuts and then adding them to a mortar and pestle with the fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic. Slowly grind everything together until you have a smooth paste. Then, add in the grated parmesan cheese and continue grinding until everything is well combined.
This method may take a little longer, but the end result is a rich and authentic pesto that will elevate any dish it's used in.
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Easy Classic Italian Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese
If you love the taste of Classic Italian Basil Pesto but want a quicker and easier method, try this Easy Classic Italian Basil Pesto. This recipe is made with all the traditional ingredients, but with a modern twist.
Simply add all the ingredients - fresh basil, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese - to a blender or food processor and blend until everything is well combined. This method saves time and still results in a delicious and flavorful pesto.
Use this pesto in any way you would use the traditional version, and enjoy the convenience of a quick and easy recipe.
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Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Grated Parmesan
For a simple and delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, try this Easy Basil Pesto Sauce. This recipe is a no-fuss version of pesto, but it still packs a punch of flavor.
To make this sauce, add fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese to a food processor and blend until smooth. This sauce is perfect for topping pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a marinade.
Bolognese sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and for good reason - it's rich, flavorful, and comforting. Try this Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce for a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.
To make this sauce, start by browning some ground beef and Italian sausage in a pan with diced onion and minced garlic. Then, add in some crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. Let the sauce simmer for at least an hour to let the flavors develop.
This sauce is perfect for topping pasta, layering in lasagna, or using as a dipping sauce for bread. It's a hearty and comforting sauce that will transport you to the streets of Italy.
For a unique and tasty appetizer or side dish, try these Italian Stuffed Artichokes. This recipe is a twist on the traditional Italian dish and is packed with flavor.
To make these artichokes, trim them and remove the choke. Then, stuff them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Bake them in the oven until they are tender and crispy. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer and watch them disappear.
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Keto Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Parsley, Basil
If you're following a keto diet, you may think that pesto is off-limits due to its high carb content. But fear not, this Keto Basil Pesto is low in carbs and still full of flavor.
To make this keto-friendly version, use almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts and omit the parmesan cheese. You can also substitute the extra virgin olive oil for avocado oil for an even lower carb option.
This pesto is perfect for topping zoodles, using as a dip for veggies, or spreading on keto-friendly bread or crackers.
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Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Grated Parmesan
For a simple and classic pesto recipe, try this Basil Pesto. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese, this pesto is sure to please.
Simply combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. This pesto is perfect for topping pasta, using as a marinade, or using as a spread.
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Fazzoletti with Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Flour, Egg Yolks, Eggs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fazzoletti is a type of pasta that translates to "little handkerchiefs" in Italian. This unique pasta pairs perfectly with Basil Pesto for a delicious and flavorful dish.
To make this dish, cook the fazzoletti pasta according to package instructions and drain. Toss the pasta with a generous amount of Basil Pesto and top with some cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and shaved parmesan cheese. It's a simple and delicious meal that will transport you to the streets of Italy.
No Italian meal is complete without some delicious meatballs. These Italian Meatballs are a simple and flavorful recipe that can be used in a variety of dishes.
To make these meatballs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Roll them into balls and bake them in the oven until they are fully cooked. These meatballs are perfect for topping pasta, using in sandwiches, or eating on their own.
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Gnocchi with Basil Pesto and Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Fresh Gnocchi, Basil, Pine Nuts, Garlic Cloves
Gnocchi is a type of pasta made from potatoes and is a staple in Italian cuisine. For a delicious and comforting dish, try this Gnocchi with Basil Pesto and Mushrooms.
To make this dish, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté some sliced mushrooms in some olive oil. Add in the cooked gnocchi and toss with some Basil Pesto. Top with some shredded parmesan cheese and enjoy!
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you're a fan of big, hearty meatballs, then these Italian Meatballs are for you. These meatballs are packed with flavor and are great on their own or in any Italian dish.
To make these meatballs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Roll them into large balls and bake them in the oven until fully cooked. These meatballs are perfect for topping pasta, using in sandwiches, or eating on their own as a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Hot Italian Sausage, Mozzarella Cheese
Casseroles are a great way to feed a crowd and this Italian Sausage Penne Casserole is no exception. Packed with flavorful sausage, penne pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
To make this casserole, start by cooking some Italian sausage in a pan until fully cooked. In a separate pot, cook some penne pasta according to package instructions. Once both are done, combine them in a casserole dish and pour over a mixture of tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Top with some shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic, Olive Oil, Parmigiano
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes. This dish is bursting with flavor and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
To make this dish, season some chicken breasts with Italian herbs and garlic powder. Cook them in a pan until fully cooked. In the same pan, add in some halved grape tomatoes and sauté until they are soft. Serve the chicken and tomatoes over some cooked pasta and top with a generous amount of Basil Pesto. Simple and delicious!
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Summer Zucchini, Fresh Ricotta & Basil Pesto Over Pasta
Main Ingredients: Onion, Zucchini, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Basil
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh produce and this Summer Zucchini, Fresh Ricotta & Basil Pesto Over Pasta dish is the perfect way to do so. This light and flavorful dish is packed with summer vegetables and creamy ricotta cheese.
To make this dish, cook some pasta according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté some sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic in some olive oil. Add in the cooked pasta and toss with some fresh ricotta cheese and a generous amount of Basil Pesto. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a beautiful and tasty dish.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Tomato
No list of Italian recipes would be complete without mentioning lasagna. This classic dish is a favorite for many and for good reason - layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce make for a truly delicious and comforting meal.
While there are many variations of lasagna, the traditional recipe includes layers of cooked lasagna noodles, ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce. It may take some time to assemble, but the end result is worth it.
This Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Made with chicken sausage, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
To make this dish, start by cooking some chicken sausage in a pan until fully cooked. In a separate pot, cook some pasta according to package instructions. Once both are done, combine them in a pan with a mixture of tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes and then serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
The Ingredients
What you'll need:
• Fresh Basil: The star ingredient of any pesto, fresh basil leaves are the foundation of its bright and herbaceous flavor.
• Pine Nuts: These tiny and delicate nuts add a subtle nuttiness and buttery texture to the pesto.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic will provide a pungent and spicy kick to the pesto.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor and richness of the pesto.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: This aged and savory cheese adds a depth of umami and saltiness to the pesto.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
The Preparation
Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts
Heat a small pan over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Toast them for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and release their oils. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Step 2: Blend the Basil and Garlic
Add the cooled pine nuts, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and a few cloves of garlic to a food processor or blender. Blend until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Cheese
With the food processor still running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Next, add in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and blend until well combined.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the pesto and add salt and pepper to your liking. If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Uses for Pesto
Pesto is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful meal, spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a boost of flavor, or use it as a marinade for grilled meats and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Now that you have mastered the art of making fresh pesto, you can impress your guests with your homemade Italian creation. This fresh pesto recipe is a simple and delicious way to add a touch of Italy to your meals. Buon appetito!
