Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/5 checked
12
servings
7 unit

garlic cloves

chopped

4 cup

fresh basil leaves

packed tightly

0.75 cup

olive oil

2.5 cup

Parmesan cheese

grated

0.25 cup

pine nuts

optional

Step 1
~3 min

Chop the garlic cloves.

Step 2
~3 min

Combine garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts (if using) in a food processor or blender.

Step 3
~3 min

Process until the mixture is pureed and smooth.

Step 4
~3 min

Refrigerate the pesto sauce for immediate use or freeze for longer storage.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Toast the pine nuts for a deeper flavor.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

5 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made several days in advance.

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, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Pairs well with tomatoes and mozzarella.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken
Roasted vegetables
Pasta

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Liguria, Italy

Cultural Significance

A staple sauce in Italian cuisine, often associated with summer.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Summer gathering
Potluck

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