Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/10 checked
6
servings
2 cup

fresh basil

fresh

1 cup

Italian parsley

fresh

0.5 cup

Parmesan cheese

grated

0.5 cup

Romano cheese

grated

2 tbsp

pine nuts

blanched

0.25 cup

blanched almonds

blanched

0.25 cup

blanched walnut halves

blanched

1 unit

garlic clove

peeled

3 tbsp

butter

softened

0.5 cup

olive oil

extra virgin

Step 1
~2 min

Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Step 2
~2 min

Blanch pine nuts, almonds, and walnut halves in boiling water briefly to remove skins.

Step 3
~2 min

Drain the nuts.

Step 4
~2 min

Combine blanched nuts, fresh basil, Italian parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, grated Romano cheese, garlic clove, and butter in a blender or food processor.

Step 5
~2 min

Pulse until coarsely chopped.

Step 6
~2 min

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending continuously until a smooth paste forms.

Key Technique: Blending
Step 7
~2 min

Transfer the pesto sauce to a large warm bowl.

Step 8
~2 min

Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.

Step 9
~2 min

Using a fork, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot into the bowl with the pesto sauce.

Step 10
~2 min

Toss the pasta and pesto sauce thoroughly to coat.

Step 11
~2 min

Add 2 tablespoons of hot pasta water to the bowl.

Step 12
~2 min

Toss again to create a creamy sauce.

Step 13
~2 min

Serve immediately in hot soup bowls.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Toast the nuts for added flavor.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 2-3 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pasta, gnocchi, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Use as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Tomato and mozzarella salad
Grilled vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Liguria, Italy

Cultural Significance

A classic Italian sauce, representing the fresh flavors of the region.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Pasta dishes for family gatherings
Summer picnics

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Summer entertaining
Party appetizer

Popularity Score

70/100