Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
This is a quick, easy sauce to make using fresh basil. Use it to top your pasta of choice. You can also add in some heavy cream, to change the dimension of the sauce. Traditionally, this sauce would be made with a mortar and pestle, but a food processor works fine.
Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele
Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Yield:
Makes 3/4 Cup
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
An easy pesto sauce made in the blender or food processor.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves, Packed
- 1/4 Cup Lightly Toasted Pine Nuts
- 2 Large Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor except the oil, and pulse.
- Start to add in the oil slowly, pulsing continuously until you have a smooth paste.
- Use immediately to top any pasta dish. (If you do not plan to use it right away, store in a container with an additional layer of olive oil on top to prevent discoloration.)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 3 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 329mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 7g
Can you freeze the pesto sauce? Â And how long will it last in the refrigerator and freezer?
You can freeze pesto but it may discolor when you thaw it. Check out my recipe for my stay green pesto recipe. It freezes better.
My partner is allergic to nuts – would you recommend a substitute? Or if you would recommend leaving out the pine nuts?Â
You can leave them out if you need to.