There's nothing like a fresh, homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe to bring your meals to life. Made with fragrant basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and a rich olive oil, this class Italian sauce is incredibly easy and ready in just 10 minutes. Pair it with the perfect pasta shape for your next favorite weeknight dinner.
If you like Italian sauces, try my recipe for Traditional Bolognese Sauce, Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Pork Ribs, or my Beet Gnocchi with Alfredo Sauce.
Jump to:
Pesto sauce is like a little taste of heaven. You wouldn't think that it's so simple and easy to make, but it is and once you make it you'll be making this over and over again to put over pasta or fresh vegetables.
Here's Why You'll Love Pesto Sauce
Everyone loves pasta but this homemade pesto sauce recipe is a favorite in my family because of these reasons:
- easy to make and few ingredients go into making this recipe
- customize the quantities to make more or less servings
- versatile in that you can sub in any leafy green instead of using basil
- cost effective ingredients make this dish a good choice if you are on a budget
- meatless dinner option for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is Pesto Sauce?
Pesto sauce is a sauce made from fresh herbs or greens. You make pesto by combining things like leafy herbs, garlic, olive oil, nuts and other ingredients.
The most comment pesto is Basil Pesto, but you can use any leafy herb or leafy green to make homemade pesto sauce, like:
- Cilantro Pesto
- Pepper Pesto
- Nut Pesto (walnut, pistachio, etc...)
- Arugula Pesto
- Spinach Pesto
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Basil Pesto - which is the one we are going to make together today
These are just a few examples of the types of pesto that can be made. There are so many combinations and with your imagination the possibilities are truly endless.
The easiest way to make pesto is by using a food processor or mini-food processor. That's what I use. Depending on how much pesto you are going to make you can use a regular size food processor.
If you don't have a food processor, don't worry. You can also use a hand blender. And if you don't have a hand blender don't worry!
For those of you that don't have a food processor, you can finely chop up the basil with a knife or scissors. Add it to a bowl with finely chopped garlic and nuts of your choosing. Add the parmesan, any seasoning and then finish with the oil and mix.
Of course, if you have a mortar and pestle you can also use it to finely grind the basil and then take it from there. Add remaining ingredients and Bob's your uncle.
Homemade Pappardelle Pasta with Pesto Sauce
This pesto sauce recipe pairs really well with homemade pasta because unlike traditional pasta you buy at the store, homemade pasta is softer an not so dense making the combination a perfect match.
Learn how to make homemade pasta with my Homemade Pasta recipe, where I show you how to make Pappardelle pasta. Pappardelle are one of the easiest pasta noodles to make and you don't need a pasta machine!
Ingredients
Fresh Herbs - this is the main ingredient, for this recipe the herb we are going to use is basil. But you could use sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, parsley, cilantro or any leafy herb or vegetable.
Cheese - the addition of a cheese brings a bite to the pesto. You need a hard cheese with a bite, like pecorino cheese or a parmesan cheese.
Nuts - bring a nice crunch to the pesto but aren't mandatory. Pine nuts compliment a basil pesto but they are a little pricey. You can use walnuts in place of pine nuts or any other nut for that matter.
Oil - You always want to use the freshest and finest oil. Extra Virgin Olive Oil works best if you are making a Basil Pesto.
Garlic - garlic is the heart of any good pesto sauce. Always use freshly, crushed garlic. Crushing the garlic brings out the boldness of the garlic.
Now, I've seen a few recipe that include vinegar or lemon juice. And while I don't personally add these ingredients to my basil pesto sauce you may wish to include them. Aside from keeping the basil from discoloring, I don't feel that it adds flavor worth including it as an ingredient. But, that's just my opinion!
So, if you want, I'll leave it up to you to decide whether you want to add lemon juice or not, this is totally optional.
How to Make Homemade Pesto Sauce in Minutes
Start by placing pine nuts on a small baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes until golden. Let cool. (You can also roast them in a pan over the stove).
Get your other ingredients ready
Place garlic and basil in a mini food processor and chop to a fine consistency. Remove and place in a small bowl.
Add the olive oil, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. You may want to add more olive oil as per your preference for a fluid sauce. Mix to combine.
Chop the remaining pine nuts by hand or in the mini food processor. Add chopped pine nuts to basil mixture.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.
How Long will Fresh Homemade Pesto Sauce last?
Because homemade pesto has no preservatives it will not have a long shelf life. You can store pesto refrigerated for 5 -7 days in fridge. Always make sure that the is sufficient oil that the herbs/ingredients are submerged.
You can also freeze it in a freezer safe container and thaw it out overnight in the freezer when you are ready to use it.
Top Tips
If you are placing pesto over pasta, drain it but do not rinse the pasta. Use a pasta scoop or spaghetti scoop to remove the pasta from the pot and into your serving bowl. Then add sauce and mix well.
You can also use a colander to drain the pasta but do not rinse it as the starch helps the sauce to stick to the pasta.
Reserve some pasta water to add to your pesto pasta before serving just in case it is to dry.
Do not cook the pesto, that will change the taste of the sauce. Basil Pesto Sauce is designed to be placed as is to dress pasta but not to cook in it.
What to Make with Pesto?
You probably think that the only use for Basil Pesto is spaghetti. But, you would be surprised that it can be used for so much more. Here are some ideas that you can use a Pesto sauce for:
- pesto gnocchi - soft gnocchi tossed in homemade creamy pesto for a comforting, flavorful dish
- pesto chicken - tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy pesto sauce
- caprese pizza with pesto - a fresh twist on pizza topped with fresh pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes
- pesto potatoes - creamy baby potatoes coated in pesto
- pizza sauce
- caprese chicken sandwich - juicy grilled chicken layered on lettuce, tomato and topped with creamy pesto sauce
- burrata salad - roasted grape tomatoes tossed in a basil pesto sauce topped with creamy burrata spilling out the side.
Need a dairy free pesto sauce? Grab my homemade dairy free vegan pesto sauce recipe and use it in place of regular pesto sauce.
The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!
Check Out These Main Dishes
Recipe Details
Pesto Sauce Recipe: Classic Italian Basil Pesto in 10 Minutes
https://easyhomemaderecipes.caIngredients
- 4 tbsp pine nuts slightly roasted (or nut of your choice)
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves slightly packed
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup olive oil or more, depending on your preference
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz Pasta long pasta like pappardelle, fettucine, linguini
Instructions
- Place pine nuts on a small baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 5 to minutes until golden. Let cool. (You can also roast them in a pan over the stove).4 tbsp pine nuts
- Place basil and lemon juice in a mini food processor and chop to a fine consistency. Remove and place in a small bowl.3 cups fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp lemon juice
- If serving immediately reserve a few whole pine nuts as a garnish. Chop the remaining pine nuts by hand or in a mini food processor with the garlic. Add chopped pine nuts to basil mixture.2 cloves garlic
- Add the olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to the chopped basil. You may want to add more olive oil as per your preference for a fluid sauce.⅓ cup parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup olive oil, salt and pepper
- Use immediately or store in a small mason jar, ensuring that the pesto is underneath the oil to avoid mold growth.
- Cook your pasta as usual and scoop cooked pasta into a large serving bowl. Scoop pesto on top and mix thoroughly. (The pesto should not be cooked or heated) Add more olive oil and cheese if needed. Sprinkle reserved pine nuts.12 oz Pasta
Notes
Top Tips
If you are placing pesto over pasta, drain it but do not rinse the pasta. Use a pasta scoop or spaghetti scoop to remove the pasta from the pot and into your serving bowl. Then add sauce and mix well. You can also use a colander to drain the pasta but do not rinse it as the starch helps the sauce to stick to the pasta. Reserve some pasta water to add to your pesto pasta before serving just in case it is to dry. Do not cook the pesto, that will change the taste of the sauce. Basil Pesto Sauce is designed to be placed as is to dress pasta but not to cook in it.Nutrition
Pin this for later here
Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
NANCY says
Fresh homemade pesto is the best!!!
Vanessa says
I can't wait to grow my herbs again. Nothing better than fresh basil. This is such a delicious way to use it once it takes off in the garden!
Marisa Asmesini says
Fresh homemade pesto is so versatile and just wonderful to have on hand at a moments notice. Wonderful recipe!