Basil Pesto

5 from 5 votes

Fresh basil pesto is a wonderful, fragrant, delicious spread perfect on cooked pasta, grilled chicken or fish, and dreamy good smeared on a slice of crusty bread or sandwich!

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Condiment, Small batch

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: sauce

Servings: /2 cup

Calories: 729kcal

Author: Tricia

Ingredients

2 large cloves garlic crushed
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup tightly packed basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Add the garlic, salt, pepper, basil and pine nuts to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well blended. Scrape the sides with a spatula and pulse again. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until mixed. With the processor running, slowly drizzle the olive oil through the chute and process until smooth.
Check the seasonings and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Use immediately or put in a small bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap on the top to seal out any air bubbles. The pesto will turn dark if left exposed to air.

Notes

Before adding the cheese, pesto can be frozen in small batches (use a plastic wrap lined ice cube tray). Store the frozen pesto cubes in an airtight container until ready to use. Add the basil pesto "cubes" to soups and pasta or any of your favorite sauces.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition