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!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Finely dice the shallots and add them to the skillet. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the Marsala wine and bring to a simmer. Cook until the wine reduces by half, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 7

Lower the heat and stir in 3–4 tablespoons of the prepared pesto. Mix until the pesto is fully incorporated into the Marsala sauce.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta or protein of your choice to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1479.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3684.3

Total Fat 216.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g
Cholesterol 185.7mg	0%
Sodium 1556.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 329.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 20.9g
Protein 79.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 621.1mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 1106.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.3%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 36.8%