Transport yourself to the sun-drenched hills of Liguria with this authentic Fresh Pesto Genovese Pasta recipe. This vibrant, flavorful sauce, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, is the star of this simple yet elegant dish. Forget jarred pesto – the fresh, fragrant taste of homemade Pesto Genovese is unmatched, and this recipe makes it surprisingly easy to create this Italian classic at home. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make this incredible pasta sauce, and the results will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen. This fresh pesto genovese pasta is a true testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. Get ready to savor each bite of this delicious Italian dish!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 2 cups (packed) |
| Pine Nuts | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic Cloves | 2-3 large |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Pasta (your choice) | 1 pound |
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. This fresh pesto genovese pasta sauce will be incredibly flavorful.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the food processor with the pesto. Pulse a few times to combine. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce and coat the pasta. Remember, authentic fresh pesto genovese pasta is all about the right consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, and a drizzle of olive oil. The fresh pesto genovese pasta is perfect as is, but you can add other vegetables or protein as desired.
This recipe for fresh pesto genovese pasta is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or even farfalle. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to create a more substantial meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this fresh pesto genovese pasta is sure to become a new favorite.
For the most authentic flavor, use the freshest ingredients possible. Look for bright green basil leaves and high-quality Parmesan cheese. And don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. The beauty of this fresh pesto genovese pasta is that it’s easily customizable to your taste preferences. Some people like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, while others prefer to keep it simple.
Making your own fresh pesto genovese pasta sauce is a rewarding experience. It’s a fantastic way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal. This fresh pesto genovese pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start making this authentic Italian dish today!
The vibrant green color of the fresh pesto genovese pasta is a visual delight, and the aroma of basil is intoxicating. This fresh pesto genovese pasta is truly a sensory experience, guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate. It’s a true celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, elevated to a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of the fresh pesto genovese pasta, so don’t skimp!
