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Three Olives Branch

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Italian Pastas Vegetarian

Basil Pesto

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Basil pesto is one of the easiest and fastest things to make. Whenever I am tired or pinched for time, this is one of my go-to recipes.  Fresh and bright flavors in just minutes! What could be better?Simple and fast, this basil pesto is ready in just minutes! Full of bright and fresh flavors, this pesto is a regular in the menu rotation. | Three Olives BranchYou can use this sauce in so many ways.  Pasta, tortellini, as a dipper for bread, in risotto, sauce base for pizza, on a sandwich…
After studying abroad in Italy for college, I learned that not all of the foods that we consider to be Italian can be found in Italy.  But this is something that I did come across here and there.Simple and fast, this basil pesto is ready in just minutes! Full of bright and fresh flavors, this pesto is a regular in the menu rotation. | Three Olives BranchMy food processor has this ready in seconds.  Just throw all the ingredients in a food processor, blend, and you are good to go!  If you do not have a food processor, you need one!  I have two (yes, two) and I use them alllllll the time.  They can do so many things: shredding, slicing, blending, etc.  We buy brick cheese and it is shredded in seconds.  This affiliate link is for a food processor very similar to the one that I have.  I could not live without mine!

There are so many mix ins that you can use.  I love asparagus, corn, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.  My husband asks for this at least once a week, so I get creative with how I use the pesto and what I put in it to change things up.  Meat lovers in the family?  Add some Italian sausage coins or chicken strips.Simple and fast, this basil pesto is ready in just minutes! Full of bright and fresh flavors, this pesto is a regular in the menu rotation. | Three Olives BranchI like to leave my sauce a little chunky with a little texture.  If you want it smoother, just process longer.Simple and fast, this basil pesto is ready in just minutes! Full of bright and fresh flavors, this pesto is a regular in the menu rotation. | Three Olives BranchIt also freezes well!  Just mix and blend the basil pesto until it is in sauce form and then scoop into a freezer bag.  The oil will help keep the basil green.Simple and fast, this basil pesto is ready in just minutes! Full of bright and fresh flavors, this pesto is a regular in the menu rotation. | Three Olives Branch

Simple and fast, this basil pesto is ready in just minutes! Full of bright and fresh flavors, this pesto is a regular in the menu rotation. | Three Olives Branch

Basil Pesto

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Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried pasta of choice
  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 1 cup kale chopped (or parsley)
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Toast pine nuts in a saute pan over medium low heat until they start to turn a light brown. Stir occasionally for even toasting.
  • Start cooking pasta as per package directions.
  • If you are including any sauteed vegetables, start sauteing them now.
  • Meanwhile, add all other ingredients to food processor.
  • When nuts are toasted, add nuts to food processor. Turn on and blend until all ingredients are incorporated, approximately 20 seconds.
  • When pasta is done, drain and add back to pot. Add pesto sauce and any vegetables or add-ins. Stir to combine until evenly coated.

Notes

Serve this alongside homemade garlic bread!
To make a cream sauce: add 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half to food processor after blending.  Briefly blend to incorporate.
Optional add-ins to pasta:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Sauteed red onion
  • Asparagus, 1" pieces
  • Sauteed zucchini
  • Corn
  • Sun dried tomatoes, chopped
Use vegetarian cheese for vegetarian version.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!


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Welcome!

Welcome! My name is Kim and I love to combine different flavor and recipe ideas into one for something new and exciting!
You will also find some travel and lifestyle ideas here, typically surrounding food! Read More…

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