Pasta al Pesto alla Genovese - A Taste of Ligurian Tradition

🍝 About This Dish

Pasta al Pesto alla Genovese is a quintessential dish hailing from the sun-kissed region of Liguria, Italy. This vibrant coastal area, nestled between the mountains and the sea, is famous for its culinary treasures, with pesto being one of its most renowned exports. The history of this dish dates back to the mid-19th century when the Genoese began combining crushed garlic, basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, and pecorino cheese to create the iconic pesto sauce.

🌿 Ingredients Overview

400g Trofie or Trenette pasta
2 cups fresh basil leaves (foglie di basilico)
2 cloves garlic (aglio)
50g pine nuts (pinoli)
50g grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
50g pecorino cheese
Extra-virgin olive oil (olio extra vergine di oliva)
Sea salt (sale marino)

✨ What Makes It Special

Pasta al Pesto alla Genovese stands out for its simplicity and freshness. The vibrant green pesto, made with fragrant basil and rich cheeses, captures the essence of Ligurian cuisine. While traditionally served with Trofie or Trenette pasta, you may also find variations using other types of pasta such as Linguine or Gnocchi.

📝 Ingredients

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, and pecorino cheese. Pulse while gradually adding olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Toss the pasta with the pesto sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a few fresh basil leaves.

⏰ Timing Guide

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

🍷 Wine Pairing

For a truly authentic experience, pair Pasta al Pesto alla Genovese with a crisp Ligurian white wine such as Vermentino or Pigato. The fresh and herbaceous notes of the wine complement the basil and cheese flavors of the dish perfectly. Serve the pasta in true Italian style, family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy together.

💭 Chef's Notes

To achieve the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients such as fresh basil and aged cheeses.
Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto will enhance their nutty flavor.
Adjust the consistency of the pesto by adding more olive oil or pasta water as needed.
Experiment with different pasta shapes for a fun twist on this classic dish.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Pasta al Pesto alla Genovese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to revive the flavors before serving.

Buon Appetito! Enjoy this taste of Ligurian tradition in the comfort of your own home.