Homemade Pesto Sauce | Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce | Pasta, Pizza & Shrimp Pesto

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqdDEzhS4sMbIKC74z7PD23-J_K4mscKJTrwU8ZaDRbGKfrH3tgv7qKWI3FnrfS186Nqq8sNEvdsabiF8P1xlS4L3yg-SweSnpqMjv9PzKNp7eW2zFHvnQmoxWa1TAqZEHYTOofhIw_2C/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqdDEzhS4sMbIKC74z7PD23-J_K4mscKJTrwU8ZaDRbGKfrH3tgv7qKWI3FnrfS186Nqq8sNEvdsabiF8P1xlS4L3yg-SweSnpqMjv9PzKNp7eW2zFHvnQmoxWa1TAqZEHYTOofhIw_2C/s640/IMG_2858.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I have pesto sauce in my refrigerator, I know I can easily make something great at a moments notice - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-shrimp-pesto-appetizer-tomato.html">Shrimp Pesto Appetizer with Grilled Bread</a>, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/pesto-shrimp-pizza-recipe-homemade.html">Shrimp Pesto Pizza</a>, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/heirloom-tomato-summer-pesto-pasta.html">Heirloom Tomatoes with Angel Hair Pasta and Pesto</a>, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/corn-on-cob-with-basil-butter-summer.html">Corn on the Cob with Pesto Butter</a>...  The list goes on.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do yourself a favor, make a big batch of homemade pesto sauce this Summer while the basil is bountiful (read : cheap).  Freeze it in an ice cub tray for perfect individual servings to use at any time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqXnV_mGkEPMfBS0dx0nz4Fe_h5nHPeo5OzDA2MV4XIm3-tec3VgyK-JJAb_ITQmpO-hLwJXL9vhBVzPD6peIeJvGI7vIvBG3DeFmPRRkr5LjzgdEJrVebA021pzGa0-cYygHVn0tQ2zd/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqXnV_mGkEPMfBS0dx0nz4Fe_h5nHPeo5OzDA2MV4XIm3-tec3VgyK-JJAb_ITQmpO-hLwJXL9vhBVzPD6peIeJvGI7vIvBG3DeFmPRRkr5LjzgdEJrVebA021pzGa0-cYygHVn0tQ2zd/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a>Homemade Pesto Recipe...</div><a name="more"></a>4 cloves of garlic, peeled<br />1/3 cup of parmesan, grated or in chunks<br />2 cups of basil leaves<br />1/2 teaspoon of salt<br />1/2 teaspoon of pepper<br />3/4 cups of olive oil<br /><br />For the pesto, start with a food processor or blender.  Put in garlic and parmesan.  Pulse until the garlic and parmesan is in fine pieces.  Add in basil leaves, salt, pepper & olive oil.  Continue to pulse until a green paste has formed.  You may need to add more olive oil if you'd like it thinner.<br /><br />Some of my favorite Pesto Recipes :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROkGaApmihBFZ0CQkT1PHpnF2Rjk2jbl8OzMQP-Itd7mZq1GsrE__OtSxhjM1W2I5jyJA64LfqdwPZeBnSxpr17KiRWl8RJ4TnLvreXRXEmf-DU7sga4kCbExNlx8OhaoPNcNiTrI8936/s1600/IMG_3068_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROkGaApmihBFZ0CQkT1PHpnF2Rjk2jbl8OzMQP-Itd7mZq1GsrE__OtSxhjM1W2I5jyJA64LfqdwPZeBnSxpr17KiRWl8RJ4TnLvreXRXEmf-DU7sga4kCbExNlx8OhaoPNcNiTrI8936/s640/IMG_3068_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/heirloom-tomato-summer-pesto-pasta.html">Heirloom Tomatoes with Angel Hair Pasta and Pesto</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw25pVFOAjAyRGUE07CvUTDCkn5q8xO6NOsbAbxAyVj3CHPOkTPYiVGfai2TGgCgN4Pu-AHuTDnEAP_iMKpyi-Eh4dplxPHdlKqp2Or7bBtGnUd-oDd9TiKLJgoRq7PpFgbkGzfdjeUZC2/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw25pVFOAjAyRGUE07CvUTDCkn5q8xO6NOsbAbxAyVj3CHPOkTPYiVGfai2TGgCgN4Pu-AHuTDnEAP_iMKpyi-Eh4dplxPHdlKqp2Or7bBtGnUd-oDd9TiKLJgoRq7PpFgbkGzfdjeUZC2/s640/IMG_3662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/corn-on-cob-with-basil-butter-summer.html">Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvWZAAmE1K5tBL6SlXqPfw4wktHeU79H5HnRelbH-kTD9S2WcothQRSJ0pWE8VOqSdqWDrsESnmLB8L8y2CesyCbUGIq_Z8NDs2eHdJyfsuDQ-pW7GMFVTSjdF-XnHovtAOjGO1MHjjvz/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvWZAAmE1K5tBL6SlXqPfw4wktHeU79H5HnRelbH-kTD9S2WcothQRSJ0pWE8VOqSdqWDrsESnmLB8L8y2CesyCbUGIq_Z8NDs2eHdJyfsuDQ-pW7GMFVTSjdF-XnHovtAOjGO1MHjjvz/s640/IMG_2941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-shrimp-pesto-appetizer-tomato.html">Shrimp Pesto Appetizer with Grilled Bread </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyEAEoDzIuuORFrn-rw9K88F-8D1nbTmG0_czVzQfk0k8f6Jnp3NEDmej8wHSD6o8B8_8N0qLH6dMEMTBtlTo9BMwiUsRLa9GR1lAZYFBJloFokPcJmI3yGFMeGD1g99nH_46y6uQqVe1/s1600/IMG_7559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyEAEoDzIuuORFrn-rw9K88F-8D1nbTmG0_czVzQfk0k8f6Jnp3NEDmej8wHSD6o8B8_8N0qLH6dMEMTBtlTo9BMwiUsRLa9GR1lAZYFBJloFokPcJmI3yGFMeGD1g99nH_46y6uQqVe1/s640/IMG_7559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/pesto-shrimp-pizza-recipe-homemade.html">Shrimp Pesto Pizza Recipe >></a>

Homemade Pesto Sauce | Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce | Pasta, Pizza & Shrimp Pesto

If I have pesto sauce in my refrigerator, I know I can easily make something great at a moments notice - Shrimp Pesto Appetizer with Grilled...

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Heirloom Tomato Summer Pesto Pasta | Angel Hair Pesto Heirloom Tomatoes Basil

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROkGaApmihBFZ0CQkT1PHpnF2Rjk2jbl8OzMQP-Itd7mZq1GsrE__OtSxhjM1W2I5jyJA64LfqdwPZeBnSxpr17KiRWl8RJ4TnLvreXRXEmf-DU7sga4kCbExNlx8OhaoPNcNiTrI8936/s1600/IMG_3068_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROkGaApmihBFZ0CQkT1PHpnF2Rjk2jbl8OzMQP-Itd7mZq1GsrE__OtSxhjM1W2I5jyJA64LfqdwPZeBnSxpr17KiRWl8RJ4TnLvreXRXEmf-DU7sga4kCbExNlx8OhaoPNcNiTrI8936/s640/IMG_3068_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It may not be burgers on the grill, corn on the cob, or even a margarita on the rocks, but doesn't this just look like Summer?!  During this time of year I am craving tomatoes and basil for every meal.  Last night, I tossed <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-pesto-sauce-fresh-basil-pesto.html">homemade pesto</a> with angel hair pasta and heirloom tomatoes cut into large wedges.  It is the only way to go on a hot summer day when firing up the grill seems unbearable. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCYkqtF5GI_uov8uFW9BfaNRbGJpe9GkGOifA8v_MRhW2PnkuPSDwul-ugfmOCxN3GshIn7Kt71h48f6bqR4dxMiwRIKMtfgFQLdJ2nwMutqxs0L1ELfPy0Vn5T5TYby4d7uVuIKgu2Oj/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCYkqtF5GI_uov8uFW9BfaNRbGJpe9GkGOifA8v_MRhW2PnkuPSDwul-ugfmOCxN3GshIn7Kt71h48f6bqR4dxMiwRIKMtfgFQLdJ2nwMutqxs0L1ELfPy0Vn5T5TYby4d7uVuIKgu2Oj/s640/IMG_2714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqXnV_mGkEPMfBS0dx0nz4Fe_h5nHPeo5OzDA2MV4XIm3-tec3VgyK-JJAb_ITQmpO-hLwJXL9vhBVzPD6peIeJvGI7vIvBG3DeFmPRRkr5LjzgdEJrVebA021pzGa0-cYygHVn0tQ2zd/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqXnV_mGkEPMfBS0dx0nz4Fe_h5nHPeo5OzDA2MV4XIm3-tec3VgyK-JJAb_ITQmpO-hLwJXL9vhBVzPD6peIeJvGI7vIvBG3DeFmPRRkr5LjzgdEJrVebA021pzGa0-cYygHVn0tQ2zd/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-pesto-sauce-fresh-basil-pesto.html">Get my Homemade Pesto Recipe >></a></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16ir9bNhlF43upwm-TSAvvrptwqleKOV97eqMrHVUVjk1mk1j4wjGDlyXR6R1bopo_cEdJ0e3oBN-HIP8mtF4nyYF0BnFYynNBB4COj1BbfUQXsqMlxReeWMurG30i_E3nvC6AabRQ8Td/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The key to success with a fresh dinner like this is : Keep it simple.  The only addition I would add to this would be hunks of fresh mozzarella.  If I was doing this for a dinner party, I might serve it with a skewer of grilled shrimp or scallops.  <br />Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-pesto-sauce-fresh-basil-pesto.html">Pesto</a> in Angel Hair Pasta<i><br />serves 4</i><br />3 large heirloom tomatoes<br />1 pound of pasta<br />1 cup of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-pesto-sauce-fresh-basil-pesto.html">pesto sauce (homemade is so easy - and much better than store bought)</a><br />parmesan cheese<br />fresh basil leaves <br /><br />Cook pasta 2 minutes short of the directions on the box (or until al dente).  Drain the pasta and place it into a large bowl.  Pour <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-pesto-sauce-fresh-basil-pesto.html">pesto</a> over the pasta and toss.  Add heirloom tomatoes and parmesan cheese.  Toss gently.  Serve with fresh basil and parmesan on top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwaKeyH2CsY4LWLOgeB_xwe3c4fRf1JJfgS1ceRPEiMaULi4atyBQcTGUQLOjrpozSa6BoZ98gVQ4WuyAqgXa7EN8ZmmbzKkiK9cpJAFcleinymPcbbVedqtgJ1T_xaWMsRGg3DIPH84a/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwaKeyH2CsY4LWLOgeB_xwe3c4fRf1JJfgS1ceRPEiMaULi4atyBQcTGUQLOjrpozSa6BoZ98gVQ4WuyAqgXa7EN8ZmmbzKkiK9cpJAFcleinymPcbbVedqtgJ1T_xaWMsRGg3DIPH84a/s640/IMG_3076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Heirloom Tomato Summer Pesto Pasta | Angel Hair Pesto Heirloom Tomatoes Basil

It may not be burgers on the grill, corn on the cob, or even a margarita on the rocks, but doesn't this just look like Summer?!  During ...

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Recipes | Pasta with Chicken and Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85_bkpL56RGJjDNShamqXIvi-ty4jDgycini3-9ucWNhjPxIcwIg5GC54-imJPX7TATouS78cgvLHvw1N6KwHEofC68ruB1vogNhghxK-s-NLcZ2g1Y2w1qFEyoN8KxHmGxU1F5Bf4XM/s1600/IMG_1074.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495723499369107970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85_bkpL56RGJjDNShamqXIvi-ty4jDgycini3-9ucWNhjPxIcwIg5GC54-imJPX7TATouS78cgvLHvw1N6KwHEofC68ruB1vogNhghxK-s-NLcZ2g1Y2w1qFEyoN8KxHmGxU1F5Bf4XM/s400/IMG_1074.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div>Target is now carrying a line of Giada De Laurentiis' cookware and specialty food items. Using her Fusilli pasta and sundried tomato sauce I created a great dinner - Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Mushrooms, and a sundried tomato cream sauce. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JD8NQ-oPnE3tvckPhru5X6UJbSGeAXPygq11rEawU57mF9S8dGOMwyG67vuR-w0e4q365oSQooaTXMzoUI8dtF5eRvw2dxa3HMX_9wq84rwgCPS8OJ1PXtvHPmrSWXD6THwQ4Cesxrg/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495723490322561122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JD8NQ-oPnE3tvckPhru5X6UJbSGeAXPygq11rEawU57mF9S8dGOMwyG67vuR-w0e4q365oSQooaTXMzoUI8dtF5eRvw2dxa3HMX_9wq84rwgCPS8OJ1PXtvHPmrSWXD6THwQ4Cesxrg/s400/IMG_1078.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /></div><div><div>1 pound of fusilli pasta</div><div>1 pound of chicken breast</div><div>1 cup of mushrooms, sliced</div><div>3 cloves of garlic, minced</div><div>3 tablespoons of sundried tomato pesto sauce</div><div>1/4 cup of cream</div><div>2 tablespoons of olive oil</div><div>salt & pepper</div><div>parmesan cheese</div><div>fresh basil</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHfFKEaTms9BXPfMM6xIdRScIpEyJawT8TEjsfttAH9-u_fMeB4e0qeynphWu_QrAnsWoj5dZVr6VvLahsxjmfVo-b9GbDtGPgYiRU_X8m6XxqnHmS3H_nBrxR1LWcDLCJTrvMMm03oE/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495723477085128882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHfFKEaTms9BXPfMM6xIdRScIpEyJawT8TEjsfttAH9-u_fMeB4e0qeynphWu_QrAnsWoj5dZVr6VvLahsxjmfVo-b9GbDtGPgYiRU_X8m6XxqnHmS3H_nBrxR1LWcDLCJTrvMMm03oE/s400/IMG_1077.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" /></a><br /></div><div>Prepare the chicken for the grill by drizzling it with olive oil and sprinkling it with salt & pepper. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then slice it into 1/4 inch thick strips. Set aside. (Can be done before hand, or can use leftovers!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water for the pasta. When you put in the pasta, you can begin the sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a separate saute pan, add olive oil and mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add garlic. Next, add the sundried tomato pesto - stir and coat the mushrooms and chicken. Add in heavy cream and stir - mixing the pesto and cream. Add about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to thin pesto and cream. Bring to a slow boil and reduce sauce until it has thickened. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the pasta is done take it directly from the water and put it into the sauce, tossing it. Add the chicken. Season with salt & pepper, if necessary. Garnish with parmesan cheese & fresh basil. </div><div><br /></div>

Recipes | Pasta with Chicken and Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Target is now carrying a line of Giada De Laurentiis' cookware and specialty food items. Using her Fusilli pasta and sundried tomato s...

Read more »