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Pesto Sauce

This classic Pesto Sauce recipe is quick and easy to make using fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. Simply blend the ingredients together in a food processor or blender, adjust the seasoning to taste, and refrigerate until ready to use. This recipe makes about 1 cup of pesto sauce, with each tablespoon containing approximately 80 calories. It's perfect for adding flavor to pasta dishes, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 9 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Place the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender.
  2. Pulse the ingredients a few times until roughly chopped.
  3. With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy paste.
  4. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or extra olive oil to thin it out.
  5. Transfer the pesto to a jar or other airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.