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.
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
Place the basil, extra-virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic cloves and salt into a food processor or a blender.
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.)
Unplug the machine and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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.
It should not be overly smooth. A little chunky with some texture and you have the perfect pesto sauce. 🙂
Yields 1 cup
©2015 Marisa’s Italian Kitchen
Sadie's Nest
September 13, 2015 at 11:29 amWell done! You’ve made me hungry:) Love your pictures!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 9:07 pmThank-you so much Sadie 🙂
Lynz Real Cooking
September 13, 2015 at 1:28 pmI 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!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 9:13 pmLynz, it is super easy you will love it 🙂
Lynz Real Cooking
September 13, 2015 at 9:16 pmI 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?
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 9:27 pmIt is certainly at it’s best the same day, but will keep in the fridge for about 1 week 🙂
Lynz Real Cooking
September 13, 2015 at 9:30 pmok thanks!
New Journey
September 13, 2015 at 1:42 pmGood 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
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 9:22 pmHi Kathy, Italian cuisine is so regional and this recipe sure is a classic from northern Italy. Thanks for visiting 🙂
New Journey
September 13, 2015 at 9:35 pmlove your blog…I will be back…!!!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 11:03 pmThanks Kathy?
carmie
September 13, 2015 at 2:19 pmmy god marisa!!!!! my favorite meal, pasta!!!!!!! looks so inviting and delicious that i would actually have this for breakfast!!!!!!! good job!!!!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 9:14 pmLol ! Thank-you Carmie xoxo 🙂
Tasty Eats Ronit Penso
September 13, 2015 at 2:27 pmLove this classic tasty recipe. Beautiful photos! 🙂
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 13, 2015 at 9:15 pmThank-you so much Ronit 🙂
thehealthyfoodblogger
September 14, 2015 at 5:45 amI just love pesto! Your photos were great!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 14, 2015 at 12:46 pmThank-you so much ?
stephysweetbakes
September 15, 2015 at 12:43 pmFabulously yummy Marisa! A must try, yum
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 15, 2015 at 10:10 pmThank-you, Stephy 🙂
Lana-Once Upon a Spice
September 15, 2015 at 6:36 pmBeautiful, Marisa. Lovely photos too!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 15, 2015 at 10:13 pmThank-you so much Lana 🙂
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 16, 2015 at 10:23 pmThank-you so much! Happy to see that you are back 🙂
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 17, 2015 at 1:55 pmOh!!!Congratulations to you 🙂 Having a baby is a wonderful, exciting life changing event. Wishing you all the best for a happy healthy baby 🙂 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 🙂
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
September 19, 2015 at 2:13 amLooking forward to your treats. All the best! ?
lindaravello
October 10, 2015 at 4:40 pmBeautiful 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!
Marisa's Italian Kitchen
October 10, 2015 at 7:03 pmOHHH! 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 🙂
Karollyn's World
December 30, 2015 at 4:20 amMust be delicious! Looks like it 😉
Marisa
December 30, 2015 at 7:45 amIt really is …. Thanks for visiting and a happy New Year to you ?
Karollyn's World
December 30, 2015 at 7:54 amThanks, Happy New Year to You too 😉
The Hungry Mum
June 1, 2016 at 2:27 amsuch a classic! Your photos are so lovely.
Marisa
June 1, 2016 at 7:57 amThanks or the compliment and for dropping by?