Pesto, in its most basic and classic definition, is simply a sauce of crushed basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, that can be added to dishes just as any other condiment. Just adding a spoonful is enough to turn a bowl of pasta into a satisfying dish on its own, brighten a chicken breast, or add a new layer of flavor to vegetables.
Its simplicity and versatility (as well as its divine flavor) has made it a staple in the Italian kitchen for centuries. With its rising popularity around the world, we invite you to try it for yourself and discover the many wonderful ways it can spice up your meal-planning.
First Step: Make Your Own Pesto
Before you start creating mouthwatering pesto dishes, you’ll need to have some pesto. Pesto can be picked up at most grocery stores, but nothing beats the flavor and freshness of making it yourself. It doesn’t take long to make, and a little goes a long way. Feel free to make this recipe in larger batches – just divide it into 8-ounce servings in freezer-safe containers and store in your freezer for up to six months.
Ingredients: (makes 1 cup)
● 4 cups fresh basil leaves
● 1/2 cup olive oil
● 1/4 cup pine nuts
● 3 garlic cloves
● 1/4 cup freshly grated Il Villaggio Parmesan Reggiano
● 1/4 cup freshly grated Il Villaggio Pecorino Romano
● 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Preparation:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, olive oil, pine nuts and garlic. Blend until paste forms, stopping as needed to adjust the basil.
2. Once all basil is processed, add in the Parmesan, Pecorino and salt, blending until smooth.
Now that you have a delicious batch of pesto, you’re free to find recipes that your heart, wallet and stomach will enjoy.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Pesto Grilled Cheese
An Italian grilled cheese sandwich is filling and packed full of flavor. This recipe uses two of our favorite cheeses, plus our delicious pesto recipe to create an easy anytime treat.
Ingredients: (per sandwich)
● 2 slices Italian bread
● 1 tablespoon softened butter, divided
● 1 tablespoon pesto, divided
● 2 slices Il Villaggio provolone cheese
● ¼ cup grated Il Villaggio Mozzarella
● Freshly sliced Roma tomato
Preparation:
1. Spread butter onto one side of one slice of bread, placing it butter-side down in your skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread half of the pesto sauce on the bread while in the skillet, layering the cheeses and tomato as you wish.
3. Spread remaining pesto sauce on one side of the second slice of bread, and place the bread slice, pesto side down, onto the sandwich. Butter the top side of the sandwich.
4. Gently fry the sandwich, flipping once, until both sides of the bread are golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes per side.
Creamy Pesto Pasta
While spring is just days away, the cold weather often lasts well into April. A warm and creamy pasta is perfect for chilly nights and the pesto adds a new depth of flavor to a classic recipe.
Ingredients:
● 2 tablespoons butter
● 2 tablespoons flour
● 1 cup whole milk
● 3/4 cup pesto
● Salt and pepper to taste
● 1 lb. of your preferred pasta
● 2 cups grated Il Villaggio Gorgonzola
● 1 cup reserved hot pasta water
● Fresh cherry tomatoes (topping)
● ½ cup of Il Villaggio Parmesan Reggiano (topping)
● Freshly chopped basil (topping)
Preparation:
1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until thickened, or about 3-5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and stir in your pesto, salt and pepper.
4. Drain pasta, reserving approximately 1 cup of pasta water before draining completely.
5. Return pasta to hot pot and stir in butter and Gorgonzola cheese until melted and thoroughly combined.
6. Add the pasta into skillet with your pesto sauce and stir to coat.
7. Add in splashes of your reserved pasta water while stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency
8. Top with fresh tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil.
