The 6 Best Kinds of Pasta for Pesto Genovese

Are you looking for the perfect pasta to pair with your pesto Genovese?

Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

It’s creamy and flavorful and pairs perfectly with different types of pasta.

The type of pasta you choose can make or break your dish – so it’s important to find the right one.

In this article, I will be exploring the 6 best types of pasta for Pesto Genovese.

From short pastas like penne to long ones such as spaghetti, there are plenty of options available that will bring out the flavor in your pesto sauce.

Read Also: What Wine Goes With Pesto Pasta? (10 Best Wines)

What is Pesto Genovese?

Pesto Genovese is a traditional Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

It originated in the Liguria region of Italy, which includes the city of Genoa.

The name “pesto” comes from the Italian word for “to pound or crush” because it was traditionally made by pounding all of the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle.

The combination of these ingredients creates an intense flavor that is both sweet and savory.

The basil provides a bright herbal note while the garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish.

The pine nuts add nuttiness while also providing texture to contrast with the smoothness of the olive oil and cheese.

Finally, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds saltiness as well as umami flavor to round out this classic sauce.

Pesto Genovese can be used in many different dishes such as pasta sauces, pizza toppings or even spread on sandwiches or toast for an easy snack.

It can also be served alongside grilled meats or vegetables for added flavor and color.

The 6 Best Types of Pasta for Pesto Genovese

Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.

But not all types of pasta are created equal – some will bring out the flavors better than others.

Here are six types of pasta that pair perfectly with Pesto Genovese and make it an even more delicious experience:

1. Fusilli

Fusilli is a type of pasta that is shaped like a corkscrew or spiral.

It can be made from durum wheat, semolina flour, and water, and it comes in both short and long varieties.

The shape of the pasta helps it to hold onto sauces better than other types of pasta.

• Common Uses: Fusilli is often used in salads because its shape makes it easy to mix with vegetables and dressings. It’s also great for baked dishes like macaroni and cheese or casseroles since the sauce gets trapped inside the spirals. Fusilli can also be used in soups as well as cold dishes such as pasta salad.
• Using Together: Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. To use this pesto with fusilli pasta simply cook the fusilli according to package instructions then toss with the pesto sauce before serving. This combination makes an excellent side dish or main course depending on how much you make!

2. Penne

Penne is a type of pasta that is shaped like tubes and has ridges along the outside.

It’s one of the most popular types of pasta in Italy, where it originated.

The name comes from the Italian word for “pen,” which refers to its shape resembling a quill pen.

Penne can be made with either white or whole wheat flour, and it comes in various sizes ranging from short to long.

• Common Uses: Penne is an incredibly versatile pasta that can be used in many different dishes. It’s great for baked dishes like lasagna, macaroni and cheese, casseroles, and even soups. It also works well as a side dish when tossed with vegetables or other ingredients such as pesto genovese or tomato sauce.
• Using Pesto Genovese with Penne: Pesto genovese is a traditional Italian sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and salt. To use this sauce with penne pasta simply cook the penne according to package instructions then toss it with the pesto genovese before serving. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired!

3. Orecchiette

Orecchiette is a type of pasta that originated in the Puglia region of Italy.

The name comes from the Italian word for “little ears”, which describes its shape perfectly.

It is made with durum wheat semolina and water, and has a slightly chewy texture when cooked.

• Common Uses: Orecchiette is often served with pesto genovese, a classic Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese. It can also be used in soups or stews as an alternative to other types of pasta such as macaroni or penne. Additionally, it can be used in salads or simply tossed with vegetables and herbs for a light meal.
• Using Together: To use orecchiette with pesto genovese simply cook the orecchiette according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm). Once cooked drain off any excess liquid then toss the orecchiette with your desired amount of pesto genovese until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot!

4. Farfalle

Farfalle is a type of pasta that is shaped like bow ties or butterflies.

It is also known as “bow-tie” or “butterfly” pasta and comes in both large and small sizes.

The name farfalle means “butterflies” in Italian, which refers to the shape of the pasta.

• Common Uses: Farfalle can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to casseroles. It works well with creamy sauces, pesto sauces, tomato-based sauces, and even olive oil-based sauces. It can also be used as an alternative to traditional macaroni for macaroni salad or baked dishes such as lasagna.
• Using Together: Pesto genovese is a classic Italian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt. This sauce pairs perfectly with farfalle because its shape helps hold onto the thick pesto sauce better than other types of pasta would. To make this dish simply cook the farfalle according to package instructions then toss it with your favorite pesto genovese recipe before serving!

5. Trofie

Trofie is a type of pasta from the Liguria region of Italy.

It is made with durum wheat flour and water, and has a twisted shape that resembles a small spiral.

The dough is rolled into thin strips, then cut into short pieces before being twisted into its distinctive shape.

• Common Uses: Trofie can be used in many different dishes, including soups, salads, and casseroles. It also pairs well with pesto sauces such as pesto genovese or walnut pesto. The unique shape of trofie helps it to hold onto the sauce better than other types of pasta.
• Using Together: To make a delicious dish using trofie and pesto genovese, cook the trofie according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm). Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with your favorite pesto sauce while still hot so that it absorbs all the flavors of the sauce. Serve immediately for best results!

6. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a type of pasta that is long and thin, usually made from durum wheat flour.

It is one of the most popular types of pasta in the world, and it comes in many shapes and sizes.

The classic Italian dish spaghetti alla carbonara consists of spaghetti tossed with bacon, eggs, cheese, and black pepper.

• Common Uses: Spaghetti can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, casseroles, stir-fries or even baked dishes. It also pairs well with sauces like marinara sauce or pesto genovese. When cooked properly it should be al dente (firm to the bite) but not too soft or overcooked.
• Pesto Genovese & Spaghetti: Pesto genovese is an Italian sauce made from basil leaves blended together with garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. This classic combination pairs perfectly with spaghetti for a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table! To make this dish simply cook your spaghetti according to package instructions then toss it with some freshly made pesto genovese before serving. You can also add some extra ingredients like diced tomatoes or olives for added flavor if desired!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many types of pasta suitable for use with Pesto Genovese, and the best choices depend largely on personal preference.

Fusilli, penne, orecchiette, farfalle, trofie, and spaghetti are all excellent options for pairing with Pesto Genovese. Each one offers a unique texture and flavor, and can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes.

No matter which type you choose, you can be sure that your dish will be both delicious and satisfying.

So the next time you’re making Pesto Genovese, don’t forget to try out one of these six types of pasta.