Description
Pesto alla Trapanese is a traditional Sicilian sauce made with ripe tomatoes, almonds, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This vibrant, no-cook pesto is tossed with pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick and fresh Italian dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) busiate, spaghetti, or linguine
Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup blanched almonds
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Make the pesto: While the pasta cooks, combine the cherry tomatoes, blanched almonds, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture for a fresh and vibrant pesto.
- Combine pasta and pesto: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Toss the pasta with the prepared pesto, adding the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky coating on the pasta.
- Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe summer tomatoes for the best and freshest flavor.
- Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan before blending to add depth and nuttiness to the sauce.
- Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If needed, add more olive oil for a looser sauce or more Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- This pesto works wonderfully with busiate, spaghetti, or linguine but can be served with any pasta shape you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian (Sicilian)
