19 Italian Parsley Pesto Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
One of the most versatile and delicious herbs in Italian cuisine is parsley. Not only does it add a bright, fresh flavor to dishes, but it also packs a powerful nutritional punch. And what better way to make the most of this flavorful herb than by turning it into a pesto? This Italian parsley pesto recipe is not only easy to make, but it also adds a unique twist to the traditional basil pesto. Let's dive into the steps of creating this delightful and versatile sauce.
Pesto di Prezzemolo (Parsley Pesto with Anchovies)
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Parsley Leaves, Capers, Oregano
Pesto di Prezzemolo, also known as Parsley Pesto, is a delicious and versatile Italian sauce. It is made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and anchovies. The anchovies add a unique salty and savory flavor to the pesto, making it perfect for pairing with chicken. This recipe will surely elevate your beer can chicken game and impress your family and friends.
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Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Garlic, Flat Leaf Parsley, Chopped Walnuts
Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto is a simple and easy dish that is full of flavor. The vibrant green color of the pesto adds a beautiful touch to the pasta, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
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Italian Parsley Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Italian Parsley, Raw Almonds, Garlic Cloves, Grated
This classic Italian Parsley Pesto Sauce is a staple in many Italian households. It is made with a combination of fresh parsley, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes, but it pairs exceptionally well with beer can chicken. The flavors of the pesto and the chicken complement each other perfectly, creating a mouth-watering combination.
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Almond and Italian Parsley Pesto
Main Ingredients: Whole Almonds, Italian Parsley, Minced Garlic, Grated
This Almond and Italian Parsley Pesto is a delicious twist on the classic pesto recipe. The addition of almonds gives the sauce a slightly nutty and crunchy texture, making it even more flavorful. It is perfect for adding a unique and tasty touch to your beer can chicken recipe.
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Lemon and Italian Parsley Pesto with Black Butte...
Main Ingredients: Italian Parsley Leaves, Walnuts, Cheese, Extra Virgin
This Lemon and Italian Parsley Pesto with Black Butte is a refreshing and tangy variation of the traditional pesto sauce. The addition of lemon juice and black pepper adds a zesty and spicy kick to the pesto, making it perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. The flavors of the pesto and the chicken will dance on your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
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Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Salt, Slivered Almonds, Flat Leaf Parsley
Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto is a simple and easy dish that is full of flavor. The vibrant green color of the pesto adds a beautiful touch to the pasta, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
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Parsley Pesto
Main Ingredients: Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil, Oil, Cheddar Cheese
Parsley Pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in many dishes. It is made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for a quick and delicious beer can chicken marinade.
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Parsnip Gnocchi with Basil-Parsley Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Italian Parsley Leaves
Parsnip Gnocchi with Basil-Parsley Pesto is a unique and tasty dish that is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. The gnocchi is made with parsnips instead of potatoes, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The addition of the basil-parsley pesto adds a burst of freshness to the dish, making it a perfect pairing with beer can chicken.
Italian Meatballs are a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. These meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, giving them a rich and flavorful taste. They are perfect for pairing with beer can chicken, as the flavors of the meatballs and the chicken complement each other perfectly.
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Parsley Pesto and Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomato Crostini
Main Ingredients: Baguette, Olive Oil, Parsley Leaves, Garlic Cloves
Parsley Pesto and Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomato Crostini is a delicious and colorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The crostini is topped with a generous amount of parsley pesto and burst cherry tomatoes, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. This dish is perfect for serving before a beer can chicken meal to get your guests' taste buds ready.
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Walnut Parsley Pesto
Main Ingredients: Parsley, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Olive Oil, Lemon
Walnut Parsley Pesto is a rich and nutty variation of the traditional pesto sauce. The addition of walnuts gives the sauce a slightly crunchy texture, making it perfect for pairing with tender and juicy beer can chicken. This pesto is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient and delicious option for a quick dinner.
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Italian Parsley Toasted Hazelnut Pesto
Main Ingredients: Italian Parsley Leaves, Toasted Hazelnuts, Extra Virgin
This Italian Parsley Toasted Hazelnut Pesto is a delicious and unique twist on the classic pesto recipe. The toasted hazelnuts add a smoky and nutty flavor to the sauce, making it perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. This pesto is also great for tossing with pasta or spreading on sandwiches.
Italian Stuffed Artichokes are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. The artichokes are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley pesto, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. This dish is a perfect pairing with beer can chicken, as the pesto adds a unique and tasty touch to the meal.
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Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Celery, Rosemary, Red Wine, Peeled Tomatoes
Authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful tomato and red wine sauce, and the addition of parsley pesto takes this dish to the next level. The pesto adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the cacciatore, making it a perfect pairing with beer can chicken.
Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian soup that is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. The soup is made with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, and the addition of parsley pesto adds a unique and delicious twist to the traditional recipe. This soup is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken, as it will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
These Great Big Italian Meatballs are a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and are topped with a generous amount of parsley pesto. The flavors of the meatballs and the pesto will make your beer can chicken meal even more delicious.
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Insanely Good Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Genoa
Insanely Good Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing is a tasty and refreshing side dish that is perfect for any summer gathering. The pasta is tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing and topped with a generous amount of parsley pesto. This pasta salad is a perfect pairing with beer can chicken, as it adds a burst of freshness to the meal.
Classic Italian Meatballs are a staple in many Italian households. They are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and are cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. The addition of parsley pesto takes these meatballs to the next level, making them a perfect pairing with beer can chicken.
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Italian Sauteed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Baby Bella Mushrooms, Italian Dressing, Onion, Red Bell
Italian Sauteed Mushrooms are a simple and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The mushrooms are cooked in a garlic and herb butter and topped with a generous amount of parsley pesto. This dish is a perfect addition to a beer can chicken meal, as it adds a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.
Italian Meatloaf is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The meatloaf is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and is topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and a generous amount of parsley pesto. This dish is a perfect pairing with beer can chicken, as the flavors of the meatloaf and the pesto complement each other perfectly.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Italian Parsley
The star of this recipe is, of course, the Italian parsley. This herb is a staple in Italian cooking and adds a refreshing and slightly peppery taste to dishes. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it a nutritious addition to your meals. Italian parsley is also known as flat-leaf parsley and can be found in most grocery stores. Make sure to use fresh bunches of parsley for the best flavor in your pesto.
Nuts
Traditionally, pine nuts are used in pesto recipes, but you can use any nuts you prefer. Walnuts, almonds, and cashews are all great alternatives and add a different depth of flavor to the pesto. Toasting the nuts before blending them will enhance their flavor and give the pesto a nuttier taste.
Cheese
A key ingredient in any pesto is cheese, and for this recipe, we recommend using grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. This hard, nutty cheese adds a salty and tangy element to the pesto, balancing out the flavors of the herbs and nuts. For a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast instead.
Garlic and Lemon Juice
To add a kick of flavor, this recipe calls for fresh garlic cloves and fresh lemon juice. The garlic adds a pungent, savory taste, while the lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note. Be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best results.
Olive Oil
Finally, high-quality olive oil is a must for any pesto recipe. It not only adds a smooth and creamy texture to the pesto but also brings all the ingredients together. Look for cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
The Process of Making the Pesto
Blanch the Parsley
To retain the vibrant green color of the parsley, it is essential to blanch it before blending. This involves briefly immersing the parsley in boiling water and then transferring it to an ice bath. This step also helps to soften the parsley, making it easier to blend.
Blend the Ingredients
Once the parsley is blanched and drained, add it to a food processor along with the nuts, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. As the ingredients start to blend, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of water if the pesto is too thick.
Serve and Store
Your Italian parsley pesto is now ready to be enjoyed! It can be used as a sauce for pasta, a dip for vegetables, or a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray for individual portions that can be easily defrosted for future use.
In conclusion, this Italian parsley pesto recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic basil pesto. It is a simple and versatile sauce that can elevate any dish and add a burst of flavor. So next time you have a bunch of Italian parsley on hand, give this recipe a try and taste the magic of fresh herbs.