Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/4 checked
5.33
servings
2 cup

basil leaves

lightly packed, fresh, washed and patted dry

3 oz

parmesan cheese

grated

0.5 cup

olive oil

2 unit

garlic

minced or pressed

Step 1
~2 min

Gather all ingredients.

Step 2
~2 min

Place basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic in a blender or food processor.

Step 3
~2 min

Whirl until the basil is finely chopped and the mixture is well blended, forming a smooth paste.

Step 4
~2 min

Spoon pesto over hot cooked pasta, grilled vegetables, or other dishes.

Step 5
~2 min

For storage, transfer pesto to small jars.

Step 6
~2 min

Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent darkening.

Step 7
~2 min

Refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Toast pine nuts for extra flavor (optional).

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Adjust garlic to taste.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

5 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Yes

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pasta, gnocchi, grilled chicken, or fish.

Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled vegetables
Bruschetta
Caprese salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Genoa, Italy

Cultural Significance

A staple of Ligurian cuisine, often associated with summer and fresh ingredients.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Summer parties
Italian feasts

Occasion Tags

summer
dinner
lunch
party

Popularity Score

75/100

More Italian Sauce Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian Sauce recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Italian
Easy
C+

Spicy Marinara Sauce

4.2
(1687 reviews)

A flavorful and spicy marinara sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip.

20 min
N/A cal
Vegan
Vegetarian
80%
75
Italian
Easy
A-

Pesto

4.4
(135 reviews)

A classic Italian pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil.

15 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
70
Italian
Easy
B+

Basic Tomato Sauce

4.2
(199 reviews)

A simple and classic tomato sauce, perfect for pizza, pasta, or any dish that needs a flavorful tomato base.

60 min
75 cal
Vegetarian
Vegan
85%
75
Italian
Easy
B+

Basil Pesto

4.1
(1469 reviews)

A classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

10 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if served with gluten-free pasta)
75%
70
Italian
Easy
A-

Pesto Genovese

4.0
(1743 reviews)

A classic Italian pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parsley, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a touch of melted butter.

5 min
300 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
70
Italian
Easy
C+

Italian Tomato Sauce

4.4
(941 reviews)

A simple homemade pizza sauce recipe using tomato paste, tomato puree, and various dried herbs. Perfect for topping your favorite homemade pizzas.

20 min
30 cal
Vegan
Vegetarian
90%
75
Italian
Easy
A+

Pesto Genovese

4.5
(234 reviews)

A classic Italian pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

10 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
60%
75
Italian
Easy
B+

5 Creative Ways to Use Pesto

4.3
(1133 reviews)

A classic Italian pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

10 min
150 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (naturally)
85%
75