Classic Bavette al Pesto with Fresh Basil and Pine Nuts

Bavette al Pesto Recipe

Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This flavorful and aromatic dish of Bavette al Pesto will transport you to the heart of Italy, where fresh ingredients blend together to create an irresistible and comforting pasta. The creamy pesto sauce, rich with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and two types of cheese, coats the linguine beautifully, making each bite a true delight. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends, this recipe is as simple as it is tasty. Let’s dive into the steps to make this classic Italian first course!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Basil:
   Start by gently cleaning the fresh basil leaves. Instead of rinsing them directly under running water, use a soft cloth to wipe them clean, or alternatively, immerse them in a bowl of cold water and gently rinse. This ensures the basil retains its delicate aroma and flavor.

2. Prepare the Pesto:
   Place the peeled garlic clove into a mortar along with a pinch of coarse sea salt. Begin grinding the garlic using a pestle until it becomes a smooth paste. Once the garlic is reduced to a creamy texture, add the basil leaves to the mortar and continue grinding. Rotate the pestle in a circular motion while simultaneously turning the mortar in the opposite direction. This technique releases the full flavor of the basil and ensures the ingredients are well combined.

3. Add the Pine Nuts:
   Once the garlic and basil are properly mashed together, add the pine nuts to the mixture. Grind the pine nuts into the pesto, blending everything together until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive sauce. The oils from the pine nuts will enhance the pesto’s creamy texture and rich flavor.

4. Add the Cheeses:
   To the basil and pine nut mixture, incorporate the Pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses. Grate them finely and mix thoroughly into the pesto. These cheeses add an extra depth of flavor, giving the pesto a delightful balance of sharpness and creaminess.

5. Boil the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 9-11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pasta.

6. Finish the Pesto Sauce:
   While the pasta is cooking, transfer the prepared pesto into a large pan (with the heat turned off). Once the pasta is nearing completion, reserve a small cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Add a bit of the pasta water to the pesto to loosen the sauce slightly, making it easier to coat the pasta later.

7. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
   Once the linguine is cooked, drain it, reserving a little of the pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the pesto if necessary. Add the hot pasta directly into the pan with the pesto. Gently toss the pasta in the pesto sauce, ensuring every strand is coated evenly. You can add a bit more pasta water if the sauce is too thick, continuing to stir until the pesto is creamy and luscious.

8. Serve and Garnish:
   Serve the Bavette al Pesto immediately, garnishing each plate with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of color and fragrance. The bright green basil will contrast beautifully against the rich, golden pasta.

Tips:

• Pasta Choice: While linguine is traditionally used for this dish, you can substitute it with any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, depending on your preference.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pesto separately from the pasta to maintain its freshness. Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for longer storage.
• Variations: For a more intense flavor, you can add a handful of roasted garlic or a splash of lemon juice to your pesto. The tangy lemon will complement the richness of the pesto, adding a refreshing zing.

Enjoy this vibrant Bavette al Pesto as a main course for lunch or dinner, paired with a light salad and perhaps a glass of chilled white wine. The balance of fresh, herby, and cheesy flavors will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Buon appetito!

This Bavette al Pesto recipe embodies the spirit of Italian cuisine—simple, fresh ingredients combined to create something extraordinary. With each bite, you’ll experience the freshness of basil, the creaminess of the cheese, and the subtle crunch of pine nuts, all wrapped up in perfectly cooked linguine. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint!