Description
This Easy Homemade Pesto recipe is a fresh, flavorful Italian classic made with vibrant basil, nutty pine nuts, sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip, this versatile sauce is quick to prepare with a food processor.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Fresh Basil Leaf
- 3 cloves Garlic
Nuts and Cheese
- 1/3 cup Pine Nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Oils
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place 2 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped and evenly combined. Occasionally stop to scrape down the sides with a spoon or spatula to ensure uniform mixing.
- Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil to emulsify and form a smooth pesto sauce. Once fully incorporated, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the processor.
- If you prefer a thinner pesto, add more olive oil a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Store pesto in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Swap pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a different taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pesto, homemade pesto, basil pesto, Italian sauce, easy pesto recipe, fresh basil sauce
