Description

This creamy pesto sauce blends the bold, herby flavors of classic basil pesto with the indulgent silkiness of heavy cream. It’s perfect for tossing with hot pasta, spooning over grilled chicken, or spreading on a sandwich. Quick to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and infinitely customizable, this sauce is the secret to elevating any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh basil leaves
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves
¼ cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse a few times.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
In a saucepan, warm the cream over medium-low heat until simmering. Add butter if using.
Whisk in the pesto. Stir gently until smooth, thick, and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm over pasta, chicken, or vegetables.

Notes

Use fresh basil and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a bit of pasta water or milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stove-top
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½
Calories: 220
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg