How to Make Pesto!

Pesto sauce in the bowl of a food processor with a spatula

Learn How to Make Pesto in a few easy steps with the help of your food processor! All you need are basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients make the ultimate pesto recipe for pasta or, one of my favorites, summertime vegetable & pasta skewers!

Course Savory

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Classic Pesto Sauce, Genovese Pesto, Homemade Pesto Recipe, How to Make Pesto, Ultimate Pesto Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 234kcal

Author Elizabeth Van Lierde

Ingredients

1 ½ cups Fresh Basil Leaves lightly packed
4 Garlic Cloves
¼ cup Pine Nuts lightly toasted & cooled
½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese plus more if needed
Salt & Pepper to taste
½ Cup Olive Oil plus more if needed

Instructions

Place the basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, and pulse until coarse. With the motor running on low, drizzle in the olive oil. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed. Store an an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

For a thinner, looser consistency, add a few tablespoons olive oil or water.

Add more grated Parmesan cheese or an extra garlic clove if you want more of those flavors.

Nutrition