5-Minute Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce
Whip up fresh basil pesto in just 5 minutes with this easy recipe! Combining fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, and toasted pine nuts, this bold and flavorful sauce adds a gourmet touch to pasta, pizza, and more. Perfect for quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves tightly packed
- ¼ cup pine nuts toasted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup pine nuts, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Blend the mixture in short pulses until the basil is finely chopped and the ingredients are combined.
- With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. After adding all the oil, let the food processor run for 10–15 seconds to fully incorporate it. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.Salt and pepper
Notes
Gina's Tips For Recipe Success
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a mortar and pestle the old-fashioned way or use a high-speed blender.
- If you want to toast raw pine nuts, do it in advance to stay within the 5-minute prep time. Remove from heat as soon as they start to brown. Let them cool first before adding to the food processor.
- Pulse less if you like a chunkier sauce, or blend a bit longer if you want it smoother.
- Add more olive oil if your sauce comes out too thick. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cheese or nuts.
- Taste your pesto sauce before serving. You may need to add more garlic, salt, or cheese to suit your preference.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1052IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 2mg
