Pesto is a vibrant green sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. Made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, it is a delicious addition to any pasta dish. But with so many pasta varieties available, it can be hard to know which one is best suited to pair with pesto.
Traditionally, pesto is served with a specific type of pasta known as trofie. Trofie is a short, twisted pasta that is perfect for holding onto the thick and chunky pesto sauce. However, there are other types of pasta that pair well with pesto too, and it all comes down to personal preference and taste. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the pasta options that are commonly paired with this tasty and classic sauce.
The Origins of Pesto: A Brief History
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce with a rich history that dates back to the Roman era. The sauce was originally made using a mortar and pestle, hence the name pesto, which is derived from the Italian word pestare meaning to pound. The earliest written recipe for pesto dates back to the 19th century, making it a relatively new addition to Italian cuisine. However, it quickly gained popularity due to its delicious taste and versatility.
The sauce is made using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It is traditionally served with pasta, although it is also used as a topping for sandwiches, pizza, and bruschetta. As the recipe for pesto has evolved over the years, variations have emerged with the addition of ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts. Nonetheless, the classic recipe remains the most popular and widely used today.
The Perfect Pairing: Top Pasta Types to Serve with Pesto
When it comes to pairing pasta with pesto, there are a few traditional options that always work well. One of the top choices is linguine. Linguine is a long, thin pasta that is perfect for coating in pesto. The thin noodles pair well with the light and fresh pesto sauce, allowing the flavors to shine through. Additionally, the texture of the noodle helps the pesto cling to the pasta, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Another popular pasta to pair with pesto is trofie. This pasta is a short, twisted shape that works well with the thick consistency of pesto. Trofie is particularly popular in Genoa, where pesto is a staple in traditional cuisine. The twists and turns of the pasta hold onto the pesto, ensuring that every bite is filled with delicious flavor. By choosing the right type of pasta, you can create the perfect pairing for your homemade pesto.
Experimenting with Variations: Adding Protein and Vegetables
Pesto pasta is undoubtedly a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. While the traditional pasta that pairs best with pesto is spaghetti, you can experiment with other types of pasta to find your favorite variation. One great way to elevate your pesto pasta dish to the next level is by adding some protein and vegetables.
Protein options that go well with pesto pasta include chicken, shrimp, and sausage. To prepare a tasty chicken pesto pasta, cook chicken breasts until they are golden brown, and then toss them into the pasta with some pesto sauce. For a shrimpy variation, cook the shrimp separately and add them to the dish at the end. As for the vegetables, you can add a variety of options such as ripe cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and steamed broccoli. So, don’t hesitate to add some extra flavor and nutrients to your pesto pasta with some experimentation.
A Guide to Making Homemade Pesto from Scratch
Making homemade pesto from scratch can be a rewarding and delicious experience. It allows you to have complete control over the ingredients used and ensures that your pesto is free from any additives or preservatives. The basic ingredients for pesto include fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
To make homemade pesto, start by roasting the pine nuts until golden brown. Next, combine the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing the mixture until a smooth consistency is achieved. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade pesto can be used as a sauce for pasta, as a sandwich spread, or as a topping for pizzas.
The Vegan Option: Pesto without Cheese
Pesto is a delicious Italian sauce usually made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. However, for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, the cheese can pose a problem. Fortunately, there are vegan pesto recipes that do not rely on cheese.
To make vegan pesto, you can simply omit the cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor. You can also add a dash of salt to mimic Parmesan’s salty taste. Alternatively, you can swap out traditional pesto ingredients with other plant-based options like cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Toss vegan pesto with your favorite pasta, and you have a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Surprising Twists: Unconventional Pairings for Pesto
While pesto has its traditional pairings, there are some unconventional ways to enjoy this delicious sauce. One surprising twist is to use pesto with gnocchi. The potato dumplings’ chewy and doughy texture sets a great contrast to the pesto’s rich flavor. This combination is perfect for a quick and hearty meal, and it’s also a great way to change up the classic pesto pasta dish.
Another unconventional pairing for pesto is with seafood. The sauce’s herbaceous taste and oily consistency are an excellent complement to seafood’s saltiness. Pesto works well with shrimp, lobster, and even canned tuna. A pesto-smeared salmon fillet is a great way to impress your dinner guests or to treat yourself to a fancy weeknight dinner. These surprising twists take the traditional pesto pasta dish to a whole new level.
Tips for Serving and Storing Pesto Pasta.
When it comes to serving and storing pesto pasta, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your dish. First and foremost, it’s important to serve your pesto pasta immediately after you’ve cooked it. This will ensure that the pasta is still hot, and the pesto will be at its most fragrant and flavorful.
If you have leftover pesto pasta, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help prevent the pasta from drying out and keep the pesto from losing its flavor. When you’re ready to reheat the pasta, you can do so in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can also help revive the flavors of the pesto. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious pesto pasta again and again, whether freshly made or reheated.
Final Thoughts
Pesto is an iconic sauce in Italian cuisine that is made of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and grated parmesan. This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, and the recommended pasta for pesto is trofie. However, spaghetti, fettuccine, and penne are also excellent options that can be used to create mouthwatering pesto pasta dishes.
In conclusion, pesto offers an array of possibilities for those who want to experiment with their pasta dishes. The combination of the right pasta with homemade pesto sauce can turn a simple Italian recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Ultimately, it is up to the individual preferences to choose the type of pasta that they prefer with pesto, as long as they enjoy it and appreciate the unmatched flavor combination. So, next time you make pesto, try pairing it with trofie, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, and relish the flavors of this classic sauce.