Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 18 votes

Pesto alla Genovese

Pesto alla Genovese is a traditional green pesto that combines basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, and olive oil. Pesto is wonderful tossed with al dente pasta, spread on sandwiches, or drizzled on grilled meat and salads!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 858 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1/4 cup (40g) pine nuts
  • 4 packed cups (80g) basil leaves stems removed
  • 3/4 cup (180g) extra virgin olive oil plus more as needed
  • 1/2 cup (40g) parmigiano reggiano grated
  • 1/2 cup (40g) Pecorino Fiore Sardo grated, or Pecorino Romano
  • 1 cup (240g) reserved pasta water will most likely not need all of it
  • salt to taste
  • 1 pound (454g) Spaghetti

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the garlic and pine nuts into a large food processor and pulse until a rough paste is formed.
  2. Add the basil and extra virgin olive and pulse again until a rough paste is formed.
  3. Add the Pecorino and Parmesan and pulse again. Taste test and season with salt to taste.
  4. Place the pesto into a large bowl and add more extra virgin olive to thin it out if it's overly thick.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta to al dente, saving 1 cup of reserved pasta water.
  6. Drain the pasta and mix with the pesto. Add pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time to get the perfect creamy consistency. Serve with more grated cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pesto all Genovese tastes even better the next day.  Placing the pesto in the fridge overnight will really concentrate the flavors.  
  • Walnuts can be subbed for pine nuts.
  • Leftovers can be saved for up to 5 days in the fridge.  The pesto can be frozen in ziplock bags and will last up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories 858kcal (43%) Carbohydrates 86.2g (29%) Protein 22.4g (45%) Fat 51.1g (79%) Saturated Fat 8.8g (44%) Cholesterol 14mg (5%) Sodium 377mg (16%) Potassium 119mg (3%) Fiber 4.7g (19%) Sugar 4.4g (9%) Calcium 216mg (22%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 858

% Daily Value*

Calories 858kcal 43%
Carbohydrates 86.2g 29%
Protein 22.4g 45%
Fat 51.1g 79%
Saturated Fat 8.8g 44%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 377mg 16%
Potassium 119mg 3%
Fiber 4.7g 19%
Sugar 4.4g 9%
Calcium 216mg 22%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.