True-Blue Genovese Basil Pesto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An authentic Genoese recipe using only fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Pecorino—no substitutions, no shortcuts. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes blends fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, pulse 2 garlic cloves until minced, then add 2 cups fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano.
  3. Step 3: With processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until smooth and emulsified (about 1 minute).
  4. Step 4: Transfer pesto to a bowl and stir in toasted pine nuts until combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately on fresh pasta, or store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does True-Blue Genovese Basil Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover True-Blue Genovese Basil Pesto?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in True-Blue Genovese Basil Pesto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale True-Blue Genovese Basil Pesto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with True-Blue Genovese Basil Pesto?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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