Best Easy Testaroli al Pesto Recipe

Ancient Lunigiana crêpe-like pasta boiled and dressed in vibrant basil pesto is one of Italy's oldest foods. A vegetarian mediterranean dish that's fresh, healthy, and perfect for the whole family.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • water 2 cups
  • basil leaves 2 cups
  • Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
  • pine nuts 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 0.5 cup
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 51 g 52%
Protein 11 g 11%
Fat 16 g 37%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water until you have a smooth, pourable batter (like for crêpes). Add 0.5 tsp salt to season.

  2. 2

    Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot, then lightly oil it. Pour a ladle of batter to form a thin pancake about 7 inches wide.

  3. 3

    Cook for 2–3 minutes until the surface sets and small bubbles appear, then flip and cook 1–2 minutes more. Repeat with remaining batter, layering cooked testaroli on a board.

  4. 4

    Once cooled, cut testaroli into diamond or square pieces (about 2-inch) using a knife or pastry cutter.

  5. 5

    Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Slip in the testaroli pieces and simmer for 1–2 minutes until they float. Drain well.

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, make pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and remaining 0.5 tsp salt. Pulse until coarsely chopped, then add Parmesan and olive oil. Blend until a bright green sauce forms.

  7. 7

    Transfer drained testaroli to a large bowl and gently toss with the fresh pesto, coating all pieces evenly.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately, finishing with extra Parmesan or olive oil if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredients are all-purpose flour for the testaroli and fresh basil leaves for the pesto. These elements create the crêpe-like pasta and the vibrant green sauce that define Testaroli al Pesto's texture and flavor.
Q. Which step is most important for perfect testaroli texture?
Careful heat control while cooking the batter is critical: use medium heat to create tender, set pancakes without burning, and only simmer the cut pieces briefly in water to avoid mushiness and keep their characteristic chew.
Q. How do I avoid overcooked or soggy testaroli?
After cutting the testaroli, boil them gently for just 1–2 minutes—look for floating pieces. Draining them well helps maintain a pleasant, slightly chewy bite; overcooking can make them fall apart.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each serving provides about 390 kcal and 51g of carbohydrates. Carb content comes mainly from the pasta, making this a moderate-energy, plant-based meal suitable for a balanced Mediterranean diet.
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