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Creamy Pesto Sauce First Image

Creamy Pesto Sauce


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and creamy pesto sauce perfect for pasta or spreading on sandwiches.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • ½ cup pine nuts
  • ½ cup grated pecorino cheese (or parmesan)
  • 1 clove garlic (peeled)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/41 cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Set out a food processor. Place the basil leaves, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic clove, and lemon zest in the food processor. Cover and pulse until finely ground.
  2. Then add in the olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Pulse again until a smooth, thick pesto sauce is formed.
  3. Add 3/4 cup heavy cream. Pulse just a few times to incorporate the cream. Add an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream if needed. However, if the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water.
  4. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, adjust the amount of heavy cream as desired.
  • This pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauces
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg