Best 2 Pesto With A Twist Recipes

Pesto, a classic Italian sauce, is traditionally prepared with a mixture of fragrant basil, vibrant green olive oil, nutty pine nuts, pungent garlic, and a touch of salty cheese, resulting in a herbaceous and aromatic condiment. While this classic pesto is certainly delicious, there are endless possibilities for adding a unique twist to this beloved sauce. From incorporating different herbs and vegetables to experimenting with various nuts and seeds, and adding unexpected flavorings like citrus zest or spicy peppers, the world of pesto is ripe for exploration. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey, introducing you to a collection of innovative and exciting pesto recipes designed to tantalize your taste buds and bring a fresh perspective to this versatile sauce.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PESTO TWISTS

Pesto Twists image

Use pesto made straight from your garden if you make these in the summer or purchase it prepared from the grocery store to fill these easy appetizers. -Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 25m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup prepared pesto
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°., Unfold puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Roll each sheet into a 12-in. square. Spread pesto onto 1 pastry sheet to within 1/4 in. of edges. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with remaining pastry, pressing lightly. Cut into twelve 1-in.-wide strips. Twist each strip 4 times. Place 2 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, pressing down ends., Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265 calories, Fat 17g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 270mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

PESTO TWIST PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY

Pesto Twist Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: fusilli pasta, fresh basil leaf, garlic, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, water, salt, pepper, grated parmesan cheese

Provided by Jody Duits

Categories Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 lb fusilli pasta, or rotini pasta
2 cups fresh basil leaf, washed and thoroughly dried
1 clove garlic
¼ cup pine nuts
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup water, cold
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook fusilli ( or rotini) in boiling salted water until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup (235 ml) of the pasta water before draining.
Add basil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper to a food processor or blender and pulse to start to break up the ingredients. Add water and a splash of the olive oil to get things started.
Scrape down the sides of processor bowl to ensure everything is being incorporated evenly.
Put the top back on, turn on the food processor, and slowly drizzle the remaining olive oil through the hole on the top of the food processor until emulsified in the sauce.
Pour the pesto into a bowl, then stir in the parmesan. (The heat of the food processor will start to melt the cheese, so adding it afterwards retains a nice texture)
Drain the pasta and transfer to large bowl or pan.
Add pesto and a splash of pasta water, stirring to incorporate.
Add parmesan and another splash of pasta water.
Top off with more cheese and basil before serving.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 760 calories, Carbohydrate 86 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 20 grams, Sugar 3 grams

Tips:

Fresh basil is key to a flavorful pesto. Choose leaves that are bright green and free of blemishes.
To preserve the bright color of the basil, blanch it in boiling water for a few seconds before rinsing it in cold water.
Adding a handful of arugula to the pesto will give it a peppery flavor.
Toasted pine nuts add a nutty flavor to the pesto. You can also use other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
Use a good quality olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil has a more robust flavor than regular olive oil.
Grate Parmesan cheese finely. This will help it incorporate into the pesto more easily.
Taste the pesto as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add flavor to pasta, pizza, grilled meats, and vegetables. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can make a delicious pesto that will brighten up any meal. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your food, reach for some pesto!