In the realm of culinary delights, pesto stands tall as an aromatic and versatile sauce, captivating taste buds with its vibrant green hue and symphony of flavors. Originating in the enchanting region of Liguria, Italy, pesto has transcended its humble beginnings to become a culinary sensation enjoyed worldwide. This article presents a curated collection of easy-to-follow pesto recipes, each offering a unique twist on the classic sauce. From the traditional Genovese pesto, bursting with the freshness of basil, garlic, and pine nuts, to the vibrant arugula pesto, adding a peppery kick, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the world of pesto, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
EASY WALNUT BASIL PESTO
Simple walnut pesto you can make in your food processor.
Provided by Jasa
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pulse walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until walnuts are finely chopped. Add basil leaves a little at a time, pulsing until a smooth paste forms. Mix in Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 102.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 38.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
EASY BASIL PESTO WITH ALMONDS
Save some money using garden-grown basil and almonds in place of pricey pine nuts. This recipe is easy, fast, and very tasty. Summer on a plate! Serve over warm pasta with a side salad and a nice loaf of bread. I also spread this on toast. If you have left over, put in a small jar and drizzle some olive oil over the top. Keep refrigerated.
Provided by SAS4U
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine basil, Parmesan cheese, almonds, olive oil, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until blended. Pour in more olive oil, with the processor running, until pesto is thick and smooth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 226.4 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 8.8 mg, Fat 21.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 154 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
EASY PESTO PIZZA
Our Test Kitchen kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps it big on taste and convenience.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. Place dough on a lightly floured surface; let rest for 10 minutes. Knead in 1/4 cup cheese, basil and oregano. Roll into a 12-in. circle; place on a greased 14-in. pizza pan. Prick with a fork. Bake for 10 minutes., Spread pesto sauce over the crust. Sprinkle with mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 513mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 12g protein.
EASY PESTO
Use pine nuts or walnuts for this classic pasta sauce.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Quick & Easy Recipes
Time 20m
Yield Makes 1 1/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until golden and fragrant, tossing occasionally, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a food processor, combine toasted nuts, 4 cups loosely packed fresh basil or parsley leaves, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 garlic clove; season with salt and pepper. Process until finely chopped. With machine running, pour 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream through the feed tube; process until smooth.
EASY KALE PESTO
A twist on the traditional, kale pesto never loses its vivid green color and can be prepared year-round. Use a robustly flavored extra-virgin olive oil for maximum flavor. Spoon pesto into glass jars or plastic containers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Provided by ScandoGirl
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pour olive oil into the bowl of a food processor and add garlic; pulse until garlic is chopped, about 10 seconds. Add kale to olive oil mixture, working in batches if needed; pulse until evenly blended, about 20 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl.
- Stir pine nuts and Parmesan cheese into kale mixture and pulse until pesto is smooth; season with salt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.5 calories, Carbohydrate 8.8 g, Cholesterol 5.9 mg, Fat 26.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 7.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 144.2 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
EASY PESTO
This is the easiest pesto recipe, using easy to find ingredients. It can be prepared in 2 minutes after you toast the almonds.
Provided by Rebecca Jane Thompson
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Vegetarian
Time 12m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place almonds on a cookie sheet, and bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
- In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, garlic, basil, olive oil, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Process until a coarse paste is formed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Fat 21.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 388.7 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
EASY CHICKEN PESTO STUFFED PEPPERS
On busy weeknights, I don't want to spend more than 30 minutes preparing dinner, nor do I want to wash a towering pile of dishes. This recipe delivers without having to sacrifice flavor! -Olivia Cruz, Greenville, South Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cut peppers lengthwise in half; remove stems and seeds. Place peppers on a baking sheet, skin side up. Broil 4 in. from heat until skins blister, about 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine chicken, rice and pesto. When cool enough to handle, fill peppers with chicken mixture; return to baking sheet. Bake until heated through, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake until cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 521 calories, Fat 31g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 865mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
EASY PESTO PIZZA
Ready made pizza crust topped with pesto sauce and cheeses, cut in pickup-size pieces.
Provided by ANNMINER
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 20m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, combine Ricotta and Parmesan.
- Spread pesto over the ready-to-cook pizza crust. Spread the ricotta and Parmesan over the pesto, and layer the tomatoes over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan to taste.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Cholesterol 6.6 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 158.8 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
EASY CREAMY PESTO
I use pre-made or prepared pesto. Pesto concentrate also works great. Very simple and really tasty sauce. Great over pasta, veggies, and chicken. Enjoy!
Provided by sarah
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Creamy
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream. Add flour and mix well to remove clumps. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir sour cream and pesto into the saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring, until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.5 g, Cholesterol 105.3 mg, Fat 35.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 20.2 g, Sodium 740 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
EASY PESTO HUMMUS RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: garbanzo beans, salt, garlic, ground cumin, basil pesto, lemon juice, water
Provided by Joey Firoben
Categories Sides
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Pour the rinsed chickpeas onto half the area of a kitchen towel. Fold the other half of the towel on top of the beans, and rub them so that the skins start to come off.
- Place all of the peeled beans in the bowl of a food processor, along with the salt, cumin, garlic, and pesto. Turn the processor on to break up the mixture.
- With the food processor running, pour in the lemon juice and water, and let the processor run until the mixture is smooth.
- Serve with your choice of dipping chips or veggies.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 192 calories, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 3 grams
EASY PESTO HALIBUT
From "Simple and Delicious." We love this with green beans and a simple almond rice pilaf.
Provided by Lisa1
Categories Halibut
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the oil, sauce mix and lemon juice.
- Brush over both sides of fillets.
- Place in a greased 13" x 9" baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
EASY PESTO SHIRATAKI NOODLES
Pesto with Noodles :) I use a pre-made pesto and put this together for myself as a quick and light lunch. One package pesto adds 40 calories to this dish. Could also be doubled or quadrupled for a family meal or side dish.
Provided by Brooke the Cook in
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 10m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Rinse and drain tofu noodles very well.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and rinse and drain again.
- You may want to pat dry with a paper towel.
- Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu noodles and saute 2 or 3 minutes until noodles appear dried.
- Add butter and pesto sauce and heat 2 or 3 more minutes until butter and pesto cover the noodles.
- Enjoy!
EASY PESTO LASAGNA ROLL-UPS
Dinner dilemma? Don't miss this family-friendly recipe for Easy Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups made with just six simple ingredients. I've traded the luscious layers of lasagna for their rolled counterparts and added a flavor-packed addition to the creamy ricotta: basil pesto! Are you doubting the marinara-pesto combo as much as I was? It may seem odd to incorporate two classic Italian sauces into one dish, but one forkful of these flavor-packed rolls and you'll be chiming in with your own rendition of "When two become one...." #SpiceGirls #IAmOld #AndNotHip Once the lasagna noodles are filled and rolled, they're arranged side by side in a pool of marinara sauce, then topped with even more sauce and a drizzle of pesto. A final shower of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, and you are well on your way to winning dinner.
Provided by Kelly Senyei
Categories main-dish
Time 55m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and arrange in a layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup of the pesto. Divide the ricotta mixture evenly among the noodles, spreading it the length of each noodle. Divide 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly among the 8 noodles, spreading it on top of the ricotta mixture.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the remaining marinara sauce to the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
- Roll up the lasagna noodles, then arrange them seam-side down in the baking dish. Top them with the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup pesto. Cover the baking dish securely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top the roll-ups with the mozzarella cheese and continue baking, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, top the lasagna roll-ups with the grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
EASY RAMP PESTO
When ramps are in reason, try making this tasty, easy ramp pesto. Tastes great with pasta or on bread.
Provided by Marianne
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Pesto Pasta Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine ramp leaves, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. With the food processor running, add olive oil and process everything until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.3 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 7.3 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 129.4 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
EASY FUSILLI WITH TOMATO PESTO SAUCE
Spiral pasta tossed with a super easy tomato sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil. A lovely, simple dish. This is so easy and really yummy!
Provided by LYNN DOIRON
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic for 2 minutes, then add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and return to pot.
- Season tomato sauce with salt and pepper; stir in pesto. Pour sauce over hot cooked pasta and mix well. Sprinkle with cheese, garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 360.2 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 4.7 mg, Fat 12.5 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 207.6 mg, Sugar 3.9 g
SUPER EASY PESTO PASTA SALAD
This couldn't be easier to make, and it was so good! I got the original idea from Kraft, but really made it my own!
Provided by Spookygirl
Categories Penne
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place basil, garlic, salad dressing and cheese in blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Make adjustments to spices as necessary.
- Toss with olives and pasta.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to mix.
- Overnight is good.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.1, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 3.7, Sodium 404.6, Carbohydrate 23.7, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 4.1
SUNNY'S EASY BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH HOLIDAY PESTO
Provided by Sunny Anderson
Categories main-dish
Time 3h20m
Yield 24 to 30 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- For the beef: Drizzle the tenderloin all over with olive oil. In a bowl, combine the paprika and salt. Place plenty of black pepper on a plate. Sprinkle the paprika and salt mixture on the beef, then press the beef into the pepper to coat. Wrap tightly and rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Unwrap the beef and place on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Roast until the internal temperature is about 120 degrees F, 25 to 35 minutes. Remove and rest at room temperature or refrigerate.
- For the pesto: In a food processor, combine the parsley, pecans, rosemary, sage, mint, garlic and lemon zest and juice. Pulse while slowly adding enough olive oil until the desired consistency is reached, like a dip. Taste and season with salt. Refrigerate until needed.
- To serve: Slice the beef and serve warm or at room temperature alongside the pesto, crackers and crostini.
EASY SPINACH LASAGNE WITH PESTO AND CHEESE
Make and share this Easy Spinach Lasagne With Pesto and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by -------
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish or lasagne pan.
- Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce on bottom of dish.
- Mix together Ricotta, egg, and pesto until thoroughly blended.
- Layer noodles, ricotta and pesto mixture, spinach, 1/2 cup parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup pasta sauce.
- Repeat layers using remaining ingredients.
- Bake 1 hour at 350°F.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 477.7, Fat 28.5, SaturatedFat 15.8, Cholesterol 119.5, Sodium 1166.5, Carbohydrate 25.7, Fiber 6.1, Sugar 12.8, Protein 30.7
EASY ROASTED TOMATO PESTO SOUP
I made this up and was so pleased at how good and easy to prepare it was, I wanted to share it. You can mix the variety of tomatoes you use. If all you have is hot house tomatoes, roasting them is a great way to bring out some flavor. You can adjust the amount of garlic, but more is better. I used prepared basil pesto sauce, but you can use your own. You can use any heart healthy oil.
Provided by IrishHeart
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice tomatoes and onions into wedges.
- Peel garlic cloves.
- Place tomatoes, onion, and garlic on the cookie sheet. Drizzle with oil and roast for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and puree in a food processor or blender in batches. Add to a soup pot.
- Pour in vegetable broth.
- Stir in pesto.
- Cook over low heat until heated through. About 20 minutes.
- Top with fresh basil cut into ribbons if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 122.7, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 23.8, Carbohydrate 19.9, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 12.6, Protein 4.3
PESTO - CHEAP AND EASY PESTO FOR GARLIC LOVERS
I love making pesto fresh from the garden. Here is the best recipe that I know! Pine nuts are so expensive. If you are looking for an easy, cheaper alternative try using Walnuts!
Provided by Andrew Bouldin
Categories Spreads
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Mix, Basil Leaves, Walnuts, Olive Oil, Salt, and Garlic into a food processor!
Tips:
- Fresh basil is best: Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but it won't be as flavorful.
- Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender will make quick work of chopping the ingredients. If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can chop the ingredients by hand, but it will take longer.
- Add nuts or seeds for extra flavor: Nuts or seeds can add a nice nutty flavor to the pesto. Some popular options include pine nuts, walnuts, and almonds.
- Use a good quality olive oil: The quality of the olive oil you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the pesto. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Taste the pesto before serving: The pesto should be flavorful and well-balanced. If it's too bland, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. If it's too oily, add more basil leaves.
Conclusion:
Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and even salads. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own pesto at home in just a few minutes. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meals, give pesto a try.
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