Pesto Marsala Style
Indulge in the rich, herbaceous flavors of 'Pesto Marsala Style,' a recipe that combines the earthy brightness of homemade pesto with the velvety richness of a creamy Marsala wine sauce. This fusion dish transforms traditional Italian flavors into a one-of-a-kind culinary experience by pairing fresh basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts with the deep, caramelized notes of sautéed shallots and Marsala wine. Perfectly balanced with a touch of heavy cream, this sauce clings luxuriously to your choice of pasta or protein, creating a decadent meal that's ready in just 35 minutes. Ideal for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a must-try for fans of Italian-inspired cuisine. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a gourmet finishing touch!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 units Shallots
- 0.5 cups Dry Marsala wine
- 0.33 cups Heavy cream
- 4 cups Cooked pasta or protein of choice
Instructions
In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Finely dice the shallots and add them to the skillet. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Pour in the Marsala wine and bring to a simmer. Cook until the wine reduces by half, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in 3–4 tablespoons of the prepared pesto. Mix until the pesto is fully incorporated into the Marsala sauce.
Add the cooked pasta or protein of your choice to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3684 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 216.0 g | 277% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.3 g | 292% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 1556 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 329.5 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 79.0 g | 158% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 621 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 1106 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
