Quick and Easy Pesto Sauce

Sure you could buy pre-made pesto at the store, but why would you when you can make it at home and it’s just so much more vibrant and fresh, plus you can control how thick or runny you want it to be. It takes just 5 min to make and trust me having a jar of pesto in your fridge is always a life saver for those busy weeknights. All you have to do is cook up some pasta, slather on that pesto and sprinkle on some Parmesan. Done and done. Fresh pesto will last 5 to 7 days in the fridge, or up to 8 months in the freezer!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

food processor
blender

Ingredients

1/2 cup pine nuts you can use a combo of walnuts and pine nuts, I love all pine nuts
3 tbsp diced garlic about 9 cloves, of course i use more
5 cups fresh basil leaves
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good olive oil
1 cup freshly grated cheese I like reggiano

Instructions

Place the pine nuts and garlic in a food processor or blender.
Pulse for 30 seconds.
Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper.
With the blades running slowly pour the olive oil in until the pesto is finely pureed.
Add the cheese and puree for a minute.
You can serve with your favorite pasta, or over baked chicken. You can also store it in the refrigerator or freezer.