18 Pesto Genovese Italian Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce that has gained popularity all over the world. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil, this vibrant green sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine. It is traditionally served with pasta, but can also be used as a spread or dip for bread, sandwiches, and vegetables. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and methods for making this delicious and versatile Italian recipe.
Main Ingredients: Rib Eye Steaks, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black
For a delicious and filling meal, try this grilled steak salad with pesto and crostini. The combination of juicy, grilled steak with fresh pesto and crispy crostini is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. To make the pesto, simply blend together fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Rub the pesto onto the steak before grilling for a burst of flavor. Serve the steak on top of a bed of mixed greens and top with crunchy crostini for a satisfying crunch. This dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.
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Italian Pesto Chicken with Creamy Marinara
Main Ingredients: Green Pesto, Italian Dressing, Boneless, Skinless
This Italian pesto chicken with creamy marinara is a delicious twist on the classic chicken parmesan. Start by coating chicken breasts in a mixture of pesto and breadcrumbs, then bake until crispy. While the chicken is cooking, make a creamy marinara sauce by combining marinara sauce with heavy cream and a touch of Italian seasoning. Pour the sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with spaghetti for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
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Italian Style Turkey Roll With Pesto, Sun-dried...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Mince, Breadcrumbs, Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper
This Italian-style turkey roll is a delicious and healthy option for a main dish. Season turkey breast with salt and pepper and spread a layer of pesto on top. Add a layer of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a layer of spinach leaves. Roll up the turkey and secure with toothpicks. Bake until fully cooked and serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Gnocchi with Pesto Cream
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, Pesto Genovese, Cream, Parmigiano Reggiano
If you're in the mood for a creamy and indulgent pasta dish, try this gnocchi with pesto cream. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, cook bacon until crispy, then remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and asparagus until tender. Add heavy cream and pesto and bring to a simmer. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and crispy bacon. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a decadent dish.
For a comforting and flavorful soup, try this Italian chicken soup. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until softened. Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning and bring to a boil. Add shredded chicken, cannellini beans, and chopped spinach. Let simmer until the flavors have melded together. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
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Pesto Shrimp with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Instant Polenta, Grated Parmesan Cheese
This pesto shrimp with parmesan polenta is a perfect combination of creamy and savory. Start by cooking polenta according to package instructions and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate pan, sauté shrimp in pesto until fully cooked. Serve the shrimp on top of the polenta for a hearty and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor.
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Savoury Italian Layered Appetisers
Main Ingredients: Canned Tomatoes, Garlic Clove, Worcestershire Sauce
For a delicious and impressive appetizer, try these savory Italian layered appetizers. Start with a layer of crackers or crostini, then add a layer of pesto, followed by a layer of sun-dried tomatoes and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of your dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with olives and prosciutto for a complete Italian-inspired appetizer.
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Pesto Pizza with Roasted Garlic & Tomato
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Garlic Paste, Olive, Pesto Genovese
For a twist on a classic pizza, try this pesto pizza with roasted garlic and tomato. Start with a pre-made pizza crust and spread a layer of pesto on top. Top with roasted garlic cloves, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
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Crepe Fettuccine with Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella and...
Main Ingredients: Crepes, Olive Oil, Cherry Tomatoes, Crushed Red Chili
This crepe fettuccine with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil is a delicious and light pasta dish. Start by cooking fettuccine according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté cherry tomatoes and garlic until soft. Toss in the cooked fettuccine, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil leaves. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor.
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Easy Margherita Pizza
Main Ingredients: Naan Bread, Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Grape
This easy Margherita pizza is a classic favorite that is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Start with a pre-made pizza crust and spread a layer of marinara sauce on top. Add sliced mozzarella cheese and cherry tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavorful finish.
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5 Ingredient Easy Lentil Lasagne
Main Ingredients: Lasagne, Tomato Soup, Lentils, Green Pesto, Cheese
This 5 ingredient easy lentil lasagna is a healthy and hearty option for a vegetarian dinner. Start by cooking lentils according to package instructions and mix in a jar of marinara sauce. Layer the lentil mixture with lasagna noodles and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the lasagna noodles are fully cooked. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
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An Italian Feast with M&S
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Salad, Rosemary, Green Pesto
If you're looking for a no-fuss dinner option, try this Italian feast using pre-made dishes from M&S. Start with a pre-made chicken pesto pasta salad and add a side of garlic bread and stuffed mushrooms. Serve with a bottle of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired feast without all the work.
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Portobello Mushroom Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Portobello Mushrooms, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Sea
This portobello mushroom sandwich is a delicious and vegetarian-friendly option for a quick lunch. Marinate portobello mushroom caps in balsamic vinegar and grilled until tender. Serve on a toasted bun with a layer of pesto, sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Top with arugula for a peppery kick.
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Chicken Pesto Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pizza Crust, Pesto Genovese, Boneless Skinless Chicken
This chicken pesto pizza is a delicious and protein-packed option for a pizza night at home. Start with a pre-made pizza crust and spread a layer of pesto on top. Top with cooked chicken, sliced red onions, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
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Chicken Pesto Casserole
Main Ingredients: Green Pesto, Chicken Breast, Tomatoes, Pepper, Salt
If you're in need of a comforting and family-friendly dinner, try this chicken pesto casserole. Start by cooking pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté chicken and garlic until fully cooked. Mix in a jar of pesto and a can of diced tomatoes. Toss in the cooked pasta and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
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Tofu & Pesto Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Green Pesto, Tomato, Butter Lettuce Leaves, Sandwich
This tofu and pesto sandwich is a delicious and vegan-friendly option for a satisfying lunch. Start by marinating tofu in pesto and grilling until crispy. Serve on a toasted bun with roasted red peppers and avocado slices. Add a layer of spinach leaves for some extra greens. This sandwich is perfect for taking on the go or enjoying at home.
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Steak & egg breakfast skillet with sauteed radishes,...
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Tip, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Radishes, Medium
This steak and egg breakfast skillet is a hearty and filling option for a weekend brunch. Start by cooking steak according to your preferred method and set aside. In the same pan, sauté radishes, spinach, and garlic until tender. Add the steak back into the pan and crack eggs on top. Cover and let cook until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with a dollop of pesto on top for a flavorful finish.
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Classic Pesto Cavatappi
Main Ingredients: Cavatappi, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cherry Tomatoes
This classic pesto cavatappi is a simple and delicious pasta dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Cook cavatappi pasta according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes until soft. Toss in the pasta and a jar of pesto. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve with a side of garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Flaky Pastry Pesto Chicken
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Green Pesto, Skinless Chicken Breasts
This flaky pastry pesto chicken is a delicious and elegant option for a dinner party. Start by wrapping chicken breasts in puff pastry and bake until golden brown and fully cooked. Serve on top of a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with a homemade pesto vinaigrette. Top with toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
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Pesto, Basil and Mozzarella Pizza
Main Ingredients: Green Pesto, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Basil Leaves
This pesto, basil, and mozzarella pizza is a simple and flavorful option for pizza night. Start with a pre-made pizza crust and spread a layer of pesto on top. Add sliced mozzarella cheese and cherry tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt for a burst of flavor.
Origins of Pesto Genovese
The Birthplace of Pesto
The origins of Pesto Genovese can be traced back to the city of Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy. This region is known for its abundance of fresh herbs, including basil, which is the main ingredient in pesto. The name "pesto" comes from the Italian word "pestare" which means to crush or pound, referring to the traditional method of making the sauce by using a mortar and pestle. This technique dates back to ancient Rome and is still used by many Italian families today.
A Symbol of Local Pride
Pesto Genovese is not just a delicious sauce, but it is also a symbol of local pride in Genoa. In fact, the city holds an annual festival called "Pesto World Championship" where contestants from all over the world compete to make the best pesto according to tradition. This event showcases the importance of pesto in the culture and cuisine of Genoa.
Key Ingredients
Fresh Basil
The star ingredient of Pesto Genovese is fresh basil. This aromatic herb is what gives the sauce its vibrant green color and distinctive flavor. The best basil for pesto is the Genovese variety, which is known for its large, tender leaves and intense aroma.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts, also known as pignoli, are another essential ingredient in Pesto Genovese. These small, buttery nuts add a rich and slightly nutty flavor to the sauce. They are typically toasted before being added to the pesto to enhance their flavor.
Garlic and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
Garlic and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese are the savory elements that balance out the sweetness of the basil and pine nuts. The garlic adds a pungent kick, while the cheese adds a salty and tangy note to the sauce. Using high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano is crucial for achieving the best flavor in pesto.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the final ingredient that brings all the flavors together in Pesto Genovese. The best olive oil to use is extra virgin, as it is the purest and most flavorful. It is important to use a good quality olive oil as it will greatly affect the taste of the pesto.
How to Make Pesto Genovese
The Traditional Method
To make Pesto Genovese using the traditional method, start by crushing garlic cloves and pine nuts in a mortar and pestle until they form a paste. Then, add fresh basil leaves and continue to crush until a smooth paste is formed. Finally, mix in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and drizzle in olive oil while stirring to create a creamy consistency. This method may take longer, but it results in a more intense and flavorful pesto.
Using a Food Processor
For a quicker and easier method, you can use a food processor to make Pesto Genovese. Simply add all the ingredients, except for the olive oil, and pulse until well combined. Then, slowly pour in olive oil while the food processor is running until the desired consistency is reached.
In conclusion, Pesto Genovese is a beloved Italian recipe that has stood the test of time. Its fresh and vibrant flavors make it a versatile sauce that can be used in various dishes. Whether made traditionally or with a food processor, this classic sauce is sure to impress with its simple yet delicious ingredients and rich history. Try making your own pesto genovese and experience the taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
