Fresh Basil Pesto

A great sauce for pasta or chicken, it’s easy to grow basil in your garden and harvest it for using fresh in the kitchen.

Pesto Party Basil

Pick fresh basil to make basil pesto, a great sauce for pasta or chicken. It's easy to grow basil in your garden and harvest it for using fresh in the kitchen.

Yield: 1 1/3 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted*
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup (3 oz.) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • In food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt and pepper; process until pine nuts are ground.
  • With motor running, gradually add oil through feed tube, processing until mixture forms a paste. Add Parmesan cheese; pulse until blended.
  • Pesto can be made ahead. Place sheet of plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent discoloration; refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 6 months.
Fresh Basil Pesto with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Fresh Basil Pesto with Angel Hair Pasta!