Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
4
servings
2 cup

fresh basil leaves

firmly packed

0.25 cup

pine nuts

3 clove

garlic

fresh

1 cup

fresh parsley

or less

0.75 cup

Parmesan cheese

grated

1.5 cup

olive oil

1 pinch

Salt

freshly ground

1 pinch

pepper

to taste

1 unit

Pasta

dried

Step 1
~3 min

Combine basil, parsley, nuts, and garlic in a blender or food processor.

Step 2
~3 min

Puree the ingredients until finely chopped.

Step 3
~3 min

Add cheese and slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending.

Key Technique: Blending
Step 4
~3 min

Continue blending until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Key Technique: Blending
Step 5
~3 min

Boil pasta in a large stockpot until al dente.

Step 6
~3 min

Drain the pasta thoroughly.

Step 7
~3 min

Toss the drained pasta with the prepared pesto sauce.

Step 8
~3 min

Serve hot, optionally with additional Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a thinner pesto, add more olive oil.

Toast the pine nuts before blending for a more intense flavor.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the pesto.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Pesto can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong (Basil, Garlic)
Noise Level
Medium (Blender)
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Pair with a simple green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken
Cherry tomatoes
Burrata

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Genoa, Italy

Cultural Significance

Pesto is a symbol of Ligurian cuisine and Italian culinary heritage.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Casual Gathering
Summer Meal

Popularity Score

70/100

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