Easy Basil Pesto

Five simple ingredients blend together in this classic sauce that brings pasta to life. You will love how quickly this comes together.

A bounty of basil makes for a wonderful dinner

I have a full view of the herb garden from the table that I use for my laptop and writing on this blog. There is a bounty of basil that keeps looking at me saying "pick me, pick me". Basil is the herb that I've fallen in love with all over again this summer. The grapefruit mint, cilantro and golden oregano that I was so excited to grow has nothing on this loyal friend basil.

That moment when you pick fresh basil and the aroma floats through the air. It gets even better when the minced garlic aroma mixes with it. Heavenly.

If you don't have fresh basil on hand, most grocery stores sell small plants in the produce section. They are very easy to grow and lovely to have on hand.

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best aren't they? Five simple ingredients and a five minute process. What could be easier?

I started to boil the water for pasta and by the time it was ready, the pesto was done and the mess was cleaned up. (that's not the usual occurrence from Sandra-maker-of-great-messes). Yikes.

The growing teenagers loved it!

I have heard parents speak of these teenaged boys who appear to have a bottomless pit for a stomach. I always thought they must have been exaggerating. Well.......

It always makes my day to hear 'mom, this is SO good'. It just makes my little heart skip a beat. I am grateful that I have found something to sate their appetite!!

What could be easier than boiling pasta and throwing five ingredients into a food processor?

Equipment you will need

While pesto was traditionally made by hand with a mortar and pestle, we have many modern conveniences that make things so quick and easy. I experimented with our Blendtec for this batch of pesto and I would recommend using a food processor unless you have the specific Blendtec brand. (ie; not a regular blender).

How to make Easy Basil Pesto

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Place pine nuts on flat baking sheet and spread out. Toast in 350F oven for 5 minutes. 

3. In a food processor, add Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts. Pulse for 1 minute. 

4. Add basil and pulse, scraping the sides a few times. The basil will be finely chopped. 

5. While the food processor is running, slowly add in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is well blended. (There will still be fine pieces of basil)

How to serve Basil Pesto

Our favourite way to serve Basil Pesto is mixed into a big plate of pasta noodles, preferably spaghetti.

Boil noodles until al dente. Reserve half cup of the pasta water. Drain the noodles and toss with the pasta water and Basil Pesto. I cup of pesto to one box (340g). Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

A glass of Sauvignon Blanc on the side and you've got yourself a delightful meal!

Can you freeze Basil Pesto?

You sure can! Pour the pesto in an ice cube tray and place in the freezer for two hours. Remove the pesto from the tray and place in freezer bag. When you're ready to use it, thaw the frozen Basil Pesto at room temperature for 40 minutes.

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know by leaving a comment and star rating below.

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