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You are here: Home / Pesto / Pesto Alla Genovese

Pesto Alla Genovese

September 13, 2015 by Marisa 31 Comments

pesto

Pesto alla Genovese is a simple fragrant sauce and one of Italy’s most popular sauces originating from Liguria in the north-western part of the boot.

The essential ingredients are basil, garlic, pine-nuts, extra-virgin olive oil and aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padana.

It is super easy, delicious and can be put together in mere minutes. Pesto is best served fresh while the flavors are bright, bold and strong but also keeps well in the fridge for up to one week, covered, with an extra layer of extra-virgin olive oil in the jar to prevent the basil from oxidizing or turning brown.

There are endless ways to use pesto. Try it as a flavor booster for minestrone soup, pizza topping or as a sandwich spread. Toss it with gnocchi or any pasta of your choice.

fettuccine basil pesto 1

My favorite way is to toss it with linguine. So quick and easy and packed with the wonderful flavors of summer!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh basil
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Step By Step Pesto

basil pesto  Place the basil, extra-virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic cloves and salt into a food processor or a blender.

basil pesto1

 Process on high using the shortest amount of time so the basil does not lose it’s vibrant green color. (When I make large quantities I freeze it at this point before adding the cheese.)

basil pesto2  Unplug the machine and stir in the Parmesan cheese.

basil pesto3

I used the end of a wooden spoon to reach down and stir. Or simply invert the pesto sauce into a small bowl and then stir in the cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

pesto1

It should not be overly smooth. A little chunky with some texture and you have the perfect pesto sauce. πŸ™‚

Yields 1 cup

©2015 Marisa’s Italian Kitchen

Filed Under: Pesto, Sauces Tagged With: basil, easy recipe, fettuccine, gluten free, lunch, pesto, Pesto alla Genovese, pine nuts, sauce, supper

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. blankSadie's Nest

    September 13, 2015 at 11:29 am

    Well done! You’ve made me hungry:) Love your pictures!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 13, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      Thank-you so much Sadie πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. blankLynz Real Cooking

    September 13, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    I keep saying I am going to make pesto! I had never really tried it until recently and loved it! This looks so delicious Marisa! I need to give it a try, I am hoping today! Thanks!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 13, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      Lynz, it is super easy you will love it πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • blankLynz Real Cooking

        September 13, 2015 at 9:16 pm

        I have to make it! I got a sandwich out one day and pesto was on it! I can’t believe I had never really eaten it! I just loved it! so yes I need to try this! how long will it save in the refrigerator with cheese in it?

      • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

        September 13, 2015 at 9:27 pm

        It is certainly at it’s best the same day, but will keep in the fridge for about 1 week πŸ™‚

      • blankLynz Real Cooking

        September 13, 2015 at 9:30 pm

        ok thanks!

  3. blankNew Journey

    September 13, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Good Morning….this is almost a duplicate recipe to my x mom in law from Lucca, Northern Italy….yumm sauce and good on so many things…thanks for sharing, I will have to make myself a small jar….my personal favorite is on bruschetta….with big ole bowl of minestrone….have a great Sunday…kathy

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 13, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      Hi Kathy, Italian cuisine is so regional and this recipe sure is a classic from northern Italy. Thanks for visiting πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • blankNew Journey

        September 13, 2015 at 9:35 pm

        love your blog…I will be back…!!!

      • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

        September 13, 2015 at 11:03 pm

        Thanks Kathy?

  4. blankcarmie

    September 13, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    my god marisa!!!!! my favorite meal, pasta!!!!!!! looks so inviting and delicious that i would actually have this for breakfast!!!!!!! good job!!!!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 13, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Lol ! Thank-you Carmie xoxo πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. blankTasty Eats Ronit Penso

    September 13, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    Love this classic tasty recipe. Beautiful photos! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 13, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      Thank-you so much Ronit πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. blankthehealthyfoodblogger

    September 14, 2015 at 5:45 am

    I just love pesto! Your photos were great!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 14, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      Thank-you so much ?

      Reply
  7. blankstephysweetbakes

    September 15, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Fabulously yummy Marisa! A must try, yum

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 15, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      Thank-you, Stephy πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. blankLana-Once Upon a Spice

    September 15, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    Beautiful, Marisa. Lovely photos too!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 15, 2015 at 10:13 pm

      Thank-you so much Lana πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

    September 16, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Thank-you so much! Happy to see that you are back πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      September 17, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      Oh!!!Congratulations to you πŸ™‚ Having a baby is a wonderful, exciting life changing event. Wishing you all the best for a happy healthy baby πŸ™‚ I would love to hear from you when the little bundle of joy arrives. Do keep n touch when you have time of coarse! Best wishes πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

        September 19, 2015 at 2:13 am

        Looking forward to your treats. All the best! ?

  10. blanklindaravello

    October 10, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    Beautiful photos Marisa, I have featured home made pesto also – but I am rather lazy with my photos (I am improving slowly but surely)
    I have been poorly and only just finally got around to delving into your blog,
    I love it!

    Reply
    • blankMarisa's Italian Kitchen

      October 10, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      OHHH! Hope you feel better soon Linda! Thank-you for the compliment! You have a lovely blog…will be back to check it out more thoroughly πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. blankKarollyn's World

    December 30, 2015 at 4:20 am

    Must be delicious! Looks like it πŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      December 30, 2015 at 7:45 am

      It really is …. Thanks for visiting and a happy New Year to you ?

      Reply
      • blankKarollyn's World

        December 30, 2015 at 7:54 am

        Thanks, Happy New Year to You too πŸ˜‰

  12. blankThe Hungry Mum

    June 1, 2016 at 2:27 am

    such a classic! Your photos are so lovely.

    Reply
    • blankMarisa

      June 1, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Thanks or the compliment and for dropping by?

      Reply

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