Basil pesto is a bright, aromatic sauce made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Its vibrant flavor pairs wonderfully with pasta, toasted bread, grilled chicken, and pork, and it also makes a versatile condiment for sandwiches and roasted vegetables.
This basil pesto recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at most supermarkets and is quick and easy to prepare. I enjoy it tossed with pasta or spread over baked chicken, and it’s also delicious spooned onto warm garlic bread. The fresh basil gives the sauce its signature aroma and color, while the pine nuts and Parmesan create a rich, creamy texture.
The fastest method is to use a food processor: it produces a smooth, uniform pesto in minutes. If you prefer a chunkier texture or enjoy traditional techniques, you can crush the ingredients by hand using a mortar and pestle — a slightly slower but very rewarding method that yields excellent flavor and texture.
While extra virgin olive oil is the classic choice for pesto, you can experiment with other neutral oils like sunflower oil if needed. Start with this basic version to learn the balance of flavors, then adjust ingredients to your taste. For a complete meal, try using this pesto with chicken pesto pasta.
Try this Basil Pesto recipe and let me know how you like it.
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Basil Pesto
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Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Secure the lid.
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Process until a thick, slightly coarse paste forms. Scrape down the sides as needed and continue until you reach your desired texture.
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Transfer the pesto to a bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a looser sauce, stir in a little more olive oil.
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Serve the pesto tossed with pasta, spooned over grilled or baked chicken, spread on bread, or used as a flavorful addition to other dishes.