In the culinary world, pesto stands out as a vibrant and versatile sauce, originating from the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy. This savory condiment is characterized by its vibrant green hue and aromatic blend of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Beyond its traditional form, pesto has evolved into a culinary chameleon, inspiring a myriad of variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary restrictions. This article offers an enticing collection of pesto recipes, each with its unique twist. From the classic Genovese pesto, bursting with the flavors of basil, to the creamy sun-dried tomato pesto, adding a tangy twist to your favorite dishes, and the vibrant arugula pesto, offering a peppery kick, this article provides a culinary journey through the world of pesto. Whether you seek a traditional taste or a contemporary twist, this curated selection of recipes promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary creations.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
BASIL PESTO
Basil pesto is extremely versatile! It enhances the flavor for all dishes like steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, and pasta! After the ingredients are combined and formed into a tube shape, simply slice whatever size portion you need and freeze the rest! Easy-breezy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Provided by Bwoogie1
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mixture becomes smooth and blended.
- Pour mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap; roll into a tube shape and seal. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.1 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 87.2 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
PESTO
Basic pesto, made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe differs from the classic preparation by the addition of parsley. You can add a little extra Parmesan to the mixture if you like.
Provided by ANDERVAL
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 5m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend to a smooth paste. Add parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 91.5 calories, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 3.3 mg, Fat 9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 59.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
ONE-PAN GARLIC CHICKEN PESTO PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: canola oil, chicken breasts, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, pesto, penne pasta, cherry tomato, parmesan cheese, fresh basil
Provided by Tasty
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Combine the chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking until chicken is browned.
- Then, mix in the heavy cream, parmesan, and pesto, stirring until evenly combined.
- Next, bring to a boil and cook until the sauce has reduced, about five to seven minutes.
- Toss in the pasta and cherry tomatoes, stirring until evenly coated. Remove from heat.
- To serve, sprinkle parmesan cheese and basil on top!
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 892 calories, Carbohydrate 99 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 47 grams, Sugar 6 grams
PESTO PASTA WITH SHRIMP
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Pulse 3 cups fresh basil, 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts and 1 garlic clove in a food processor. Pulse in 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons each grated Parmesan and olive oil until smooth. Cook 12 ounces bucatini; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Toss the pasta with the pesto, 1 pound steamed chopped asparagus, 8 ounces sauteed shrimp and the reserved cooking water. Top with toasted breadcrumbs.
FABULOUS CILANTRO PESTO
This is a delicious version of the classic with a little more zip! You can substitute the vinegar with lime juice, lemon juice or Italian salad dressing.
Provided by Gena Urias
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and return water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well.
- In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 386.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.8 g, Cholesterol 2.8 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 54.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
CREAMY PESTO SHRIMP
One of our family's favorites, it's also great when made with crab meat instead of the shrimp.
Provided by Loretta Buffa
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in cream, and season with pepper. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir Parmesan cheese into cream sauce, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Blend in the pesto, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened.
- Stir in the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes. Serve over the hot linguine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 646 calories, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 210.4 mg, Fat 42.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 23.1 g, SaturatedFat 24.3 g, Sodium 437.2 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
PESTO
Get Ina Garten's easy Pesto recipe, featuring walnuts, pine nuts and basil, from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. It's perfect with pasta or in sandwiches.
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 15m
Yield 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the walnuts, pignolis, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO
The best sun-dried tomato pesto.
Provided by MRS. CINDY SCHMIDT
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Vegetarian
Time 20m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover with warm water for 5 minutes, or until tender.
- In a food processor or blender combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts and onion; process until well blended. Add vinegar, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and red wine, and process. Stir in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 44.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.4 g, Cholesterol 0.9 mg, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 80.5 mg, Sugar 1.4 g
PESTO PASTA
Easy to make, but full of flavor! Good hot or cold.
Provided by Lauren
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until done. Drain.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium low heat. Add pesto, onion, and salt and pepper. Cook about five minutes, or until onions are soft.
- In a large bowl, mix pesto mixture into pasta. Stir in grated cheese. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.7 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 43.5 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 7.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 71.3 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
PASTA, PESTO, AND PEAS
Blend fresh basil pesto at home for Ina Garten's Pasta, Pesto and Peas recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, and have a vibrant springtime meal.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time 32m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.
- Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
- Notes: Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.
- To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.
PESTO SHRIMP PASTA
This is a great dish for company!
Provided by averynmartin
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain.
- Blend basil, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, and salt in a blender until smooth.
- Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir sugar snap peas in hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Add shrimp and red pepper; continue to cook until the shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 5 minutes. Stir basil sauce into the shrimp mixture and remove from heat; spoon over spaghetti to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.2 calories, Carbohydrate 32.3 g, Cholesterol 86.1 mg, Fat 9.4 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 15.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 295.6 mg, Sugar 1.3 g
PESTO SHRIMP PASTA
A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 tablespoon oil, basil, lemon juice, garlic and salt; cover and process until smooth. , In a large skillet, saute asparagus in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add shrimp and pepper flakes. Cook and stir until shrimp turn pink. , Drain spaghetti; place in a large bowl. Add basil mixture; toss to coat. Add shrimp mixture and mix well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 406mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
PESTO PIZZA
A great alternative to your regular pizza.
Provided by SKWms
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Spread pesto on pizza crust. Top with tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, red onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.7 calories, Carbohydrate 39.3 g, Cholesterol 35.6 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 17.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 936.8 mg, Sugar 3.7 g
PESTO PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND TOMATOES
Pesto is easy to make from scratch with just a handful of ingredients. Its fresh flavor is the highlight of this super-fast pasta dish, packed with cherry tomatoes and chicken.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In blender or food processor, place Pesto ingredients.
- Cover and process on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides with rubber spatula, until smooth. Set aside.
- In 4-quart saucepan, heat penne and broth just to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente and liquid is almost absorbed. Remove from heat. Add pesto; stir in chicken and tomatoes; cook over medium 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Garnish with basil and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 740 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g
GRILLED PESTO-MARINATED CHICKEN
This moist and flavorful chicken is as easy as it is satisfying! Perfect with a green salad, rice, or pasta.
Provided by SunnyDaysNora
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes
Time 8h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix together pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pepper, and salt in a 1-gallon resealable freezer bag. Add chicken, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours to overnight.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Cook chicken on the preheated grill over indirect heat until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.2 calories, Carbohydrate 5.5 g, Cholesterol 83.7 mg, Fat 25 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 33.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 772.6 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
EASY WALNUT BASIL PESTO
Simple walnut pesto you can make in your food processor.
Provided by Jasa
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pulse walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until walnuts are finely chopped. Add basil leaves a little at a time, pulsing until a smooth paste forms. Mix in Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 102.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 38.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
SPINACH PESTO
Serve this vibrant pesto on pasta, pizza, sandwiches and more. If you don't have fresh oregano on hand, you can omit it. -Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 15m
Yield 2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place the first 6 ingredients in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add the walnuts, lemon juice and zest; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream., Serve desired amount of pesto with pasta. Transfer remaining pesto to ice cube trays. Cover and freeze up to 1 month., To use frozen pesto: Thaw in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Serve with pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 18g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
SPINACH BASIL PESTO
This sauce is perfect for freezing in an ice cube tray. I just pop out a couple of cubes from the freezer and add to a pasta dish for a quick and easy meal. The Parmesan cheese can be omitted and added after thawing. Pour any pesto you aren't using immediately into an ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap, and store in freezer.
Provided by Dianne
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Blend the spinach, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until nearly smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary. Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while processing until smooth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67 calories, Carbohydrate 0.8 g, Cholesterol 1.5 mg, Fat 6.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 87.2 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
FRESH BASIL PESTO
A great recipe for fresh basil pesto with just the right amounts of everything. Even my DH loves it!
Provided by Klantz
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine basil, oil, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender; puree until smooth. Stir in Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 10.3 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 186.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
PESTO CREAM SAUCE
Serve this delicious sauce over your favorite pasta for a quick, delectable meal. Do NOT substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if you want a thick sauce. Heavy cream contains at least 36% milkfat. Half-and-half, just like the name says, is half milk and half cream and is no more than 18% milkfat. If half-and-half is used, the sauce will only be half as thick as it would if heavy cream were used. Also, if the amount of butter is reduced, that will also make the sauce thinner, as butter is 80% milkfat.
Provided by mailbelle
Categories Sauces
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat heavy whipping cream and water in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Add butter, pesto sauce, garlic powder and salt. Reduce heat and continue to cook about 5 more minutes over low heat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese until melted.
Tips:
- Use fresh basil. Fresh basil has the best flavor and aroma, so it's worth the extra cost.
- Don't over-process the pesto. A few pulses in a food processor or blender is all you need to combine the ingredients. Over-processing will make the pesto bitter.
- Taste the pesto before serving. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Use pesto as a marinade. Pesto is a great way to add flavor to chicken, fish, or vegetables. Simply brush the pesto on the food and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use pesto as a spread. Pesto is a delicious spread for sandwiches, wraps, and crackers. It's also a great way to add flavor to pizzas and grilled vegetables.
- Use pesto as a sauce. Pesto can be used as a sauce for pasta, rice, or vegetables. It's also a great way to add flavor to soups and stews.
Conclusion:
Pesto is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a way to add flavor to your food, reach for a jar of pesto.
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