Velvety Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe
Creamy pesto sauce: Rich twist on classic pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and cream. Elevates pasta, meats, and veggies. A gourmet essential.
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Calories: 50kcal
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup Pine nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbps Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Peel the garlic cloves. Grate the Parmesan cheese if not already grated.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
- Add Olive Oil: With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the container as needed to ensure thorough blending.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and continue blending until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Add more cream if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the creamy pesto sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste, and blend briefly to incorporate.
- Enjoy: Use the creamy pesto sauce to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes and enjoy the rich, aromatic taste it adds to your meals.
Notes
- Pesto - Feel free to use any fresh pesto you prefer; it doesn't have to be basil. Experiment with options like red pepper pesto or others that catch your eye!
- Additions - Enhance your dish with roasted or fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Don't forget to add some fresh basil leaves on top. While pesto usually contains pine nuts, consider adding some extra toasted ones to the sauce. For added greens, mix in some chopped fresh spinach. And a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is always a delightful finishing touch.
- Add some protein - For a classic twist, add cooked chicken breast or thighs into the creamy sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in some golden brown pancetta or bacon for an extra savory kick.
Nutrition
Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 50mg | Calcium: 30mg