18 Pesto Meatballs Italian Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Pesto meatballs are a classic Italian dish that is loved for its rich and flavorful taste. Made with a combination of ground meat, herbs, and spices, these meatballs are then cooked in a delicious pesto sauce, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Italian recipe for pesto meatballs and how you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Onion, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Salt
Get ready to elevate your traditional meatball recipe with this delicious twist – turkey pesto meatballs with a rich tomato sauce. These flavorful meatballs are the perfect combination of juicy turkey meat, fragrant pesto, and tangy tomato sauce. They are easy to make, and the perfect addition to any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these amazing turkey pesto meatballs with tomato sauce.
Who doesn’t love a good panini? This Italian chicken panini takes a classic sandwich to the next level with the addition of pesto and fresh mozzarella. The tender chicken is marinated in a flavorful balsamic dressing, and then grilled to perfection. Layered with pesto, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers, this panini is a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve it for lunch or a quick dinner, and you won’t be disappointed.
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Pesto Salmon and Italian Veggies in Foil
Main Ingredients: Skinless Salmon Fillets, Fresh Green Beans, Olive Oil
If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful dish, this pesto salmon and Italian veggies in foil is the perfect recipe. It’s a complete meal, cooked in a foil packet with minimal cleanup. The salmon is coated in a tangy pesto sauce and paired with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner.
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Italian Pesto Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Pesto, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Sun Dried
Sliders are always a hit at any party or gathering. These Italian pesto sliders are no exception. They are easy to make, and packed with flavor. The secret ingredient is the homemade pesto, which adds a delicious herbaceous kick to the mini burgers. Topped with melted mozzarella and served on soft brioche buns, these sliders will disappear in no time. Make a big batch, because everyone will be coming back for more.
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Paleo Pesto Meatballs and Pesto Alfredo Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Nutritional Yeast, Sea
On a paleo diet but still craving some Italian comfort food? Look no further than these paleo pesto meatballs and pesto alfredo sauce. These flavorful meatballs are made with ground turkey, almond flour, and spices, and then coated in a delicious pesto alfredo sauce. The sauce is made with coconut milk and avocado oil, making it dairy-free and paleo-friendly. Serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato
Main Ingredients: Bread, Pesto, Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Salt
Another delicious panini recipe, this pesto panini with fresh mozzarella and tomato is a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. The fresh ingredients, including the pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes, make this sandwich burst with flavor. Grilling the panini gives it a crispy exterior and melts the cheese to perfection. Serve with a side of soup or salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Pesto & Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Button Mushrooms, Pesto, Cooked Quinoa, Parmesan
Looking for a vegetarian option that’s anything but boring? These pesto and quinoa stuffed mushrooms are a great option for a meatless dinner or side dish. The mushrooms are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of quinoa, pesto, and parmesan cheese, and then baked until tender. These stuffed mushrooms are delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. They are sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Italian Pesto Grilled Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Pesto, Italian
This Italian pesto grilled chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for summer grilling. The chicken is marinated in a tangy balsamic dressing and then coated in a delicious pesto sauce before grilling. The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a flavorful crust. Serve it with your favorite veggies and some crusty bread for a perfect summer meal.
Pasta salad is a staple at any summer BBQ or potluck. This Italian pesto pasta salad is sure to be a hit with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. The pasta is tossed in a homemade pesto dressing, along with cherry tomatoes, olives, and parmesan cheese. It’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a light lunch option.
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Italian Pesto Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Light Mayonnaise, Pesto, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Another great option for a light and refreshing meal, this Italian pesto chicken salad is packed with protein and flavor. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful balsamic dressing and then tossed with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts. It’s a perfect salad for a hot summer day or a quick and easy lunch option. Serve it over a bed of greens for an extra nutritious meal.
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Pesto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Salt
If you’re a fan of traditional pasta salad, you’ll love this pesto version. The pasta is tossed in a homemade pesto dressing, along with cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, or any summer gathering. Make a big batch, because this salad will disappear quickly.
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Italian Sausage Pesto Flatbread Melts
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, White Wine, Pesto
These Italian sausage pesto flatbread melts are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. The flatbread is topped with a delicious pesto sauce, crumbled sausage, and mozzarella cheese, and then baked until crispy. It’s a great option for game day or a movie night at home. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and your guests will be raving about these melts.
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Pesto Arancini - Italian Street Food!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Medium Grain Rice
Arancini, or fried rice balls, are a popular street food in Italy. This recipe takes a traditional arancini and adds a delicious twist with the addition of pesto. The rice balls are stuffed with mozzarella, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried to golden perfection. Serve them as an appetizer or a side dish, and watch them disappear in no time.
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Italian Pesto Burger #BurgerMonth #GirlCarnivore
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Pesto, Ground Beef, Salt, Freshly Ground
Summer is the perfect time for grilling, and these Italian pesto burgers are a must-try. The burgers are seasoned with Italian spices and topped with creamy pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, and roasted red peppers. They are a tasty and unique twist on a classic burger and a great way to celebrate #BurgerMonth. Fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with these delicious burgers.
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Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops
Main Ingredients: Mozzarella Cheese, Pesto, Dried Breadcrumbs, Boneless
Upgrade your pork chops with this mouth-watering recipe for pesto mozzarella stuffed pork chops. The pork chops are filled with a mixture of pesto, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella cheese, and then baked to juicy perfection. It’s a flavorful and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Tortellini Skewers with Pesto Drizzle
Main Ingredients: Cheese Tortellini, Fresh Mozzarella Balls, Tomatoes
These Italian tortellini skewers with pesto drizzle are a great appetizer or party food. The skewers are made with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves, and then drizzled with a homemade pesto sauce. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time.
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7-Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip
Main Ingredients: Chopped Pecans, Blue Cheese, Hummus, Fresh Spinach, Sun
This 7-layer Italian pesto quinoa dip is a healthier twist on the classic seven-layer dip. It’s made with a base of quinoa, layered with pesto, hummus, and veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives. It’s a nutritious and delicious dip that’s perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer. Serve it with pita chips or veggies for dipping.
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Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pesto and Spinach
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Panko Breadcrumbs, All Purpose Flour
These Italian chicken cutlets with pesto and spinach are another tasty twist on a classic dish. The chicken is coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried until crispy, and then topped with pesto, spinach, and mozzarella cheese. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
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Pesto Caprese Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto
Gnocchi is a delicious and hearty pasta that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This pesto caprese gnocchi takes it up a notch with the addition of pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
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Easy Baked Pasta with Chicken Meatballs, Marinara,...
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Pesto, Rigatoni Pasta
Last but not least, this easy baked pasta with chicken meatballs, marinara, and pesto is a crowd-pleaser. The meatballs are made with ground chicken, parmesan cheese, and spices, and then baked until golden brown. The pasta is tossed in a combination of marinara and pesto, and then topped with the meatballs and mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
1. Ground Meat:
The key ingredient in pesto meatballs is the ground meat, which is typically a combination of beef and pork. The meat should be lean, as too much fat can result in greasy and heavy meatballs. You can also use ground chicken, turkey, or a mixture of all three for a healthier alternative.
2. Herbs and Spices:
To give the meatballs their signature Italian flavor, a variety of herbs and spices are added. This includes garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, and basil. These herbs not only add a delicious taste but also provide numerous health benefits.
3. Breadcrumbs and Cheese:
Breadcrumbs and grated cheese act as binders for the meatballs, helping to hold them together and give them a firmer texture. You can use any type of breadcrumbs you prefer, and for the cheese, parmesan or pecorino are the most commonly used in Italian cuisine.
4. Pesto Sauce:
The star of this dish is, of course, the pesto sauce. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, this sauce is both fragrant and flavorful. You can either make your own pesto sauce or use store-bought for convenience.
5. Cooking Oil:
To cook the meatballs, you will need a small amount of cooking oil. Olive oil is the most commonly used in Italian cooking and adds a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
Method:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
2. Roll into Balls:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, evenly sized balls. You can adjust the size of the meatballs according to your preference.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the Pesto Sauce:
Once the meatballs are browned, add the pesto sauce to the skillet. Toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are coated evenly.
5. Simmer and Serve:
Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the pesto sauce for an additional 5-6 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and serve hot with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.
Now that you have the traditional Italian recipe for pesto meatballs, you can easily recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Whether it's for a family dinner or a dinner party with friends, these pesto meatballs are sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite.
