Hey there, foodies! I Anne Carter from Beyond The Bayou Blog bring you all a special condiment to serve with your grilled foods or snacks to make them taste even more amazing: Creamy Pesto Recipe.
This recipe will not only bring the flavor to your snacks but the freshness of its ingredients will make your bellies feel even more soothing. Creamy pesto sauce typically consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
Basil which is rich in various vitamins like A, K, and C along with antioxidants will make you feel refreshed. But You must be very meticulous while using the quantity of Cheese as pesto sauce is typically high in calories and fat due to the addition of heavy cream or half-and-half and cheese, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Simply follow our recipe for Creamy Pesto Sauce and then serve it with your appetizers as a dipping sauce to bring flavor to your dinner table.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, gather our ingredients, and embark on this culinary journey together. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade creamy pesto sauce like never before.
Try More Such Recipes!
Velvety Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 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
Time for The Tips!
- Have your stove on low heat after adding the cream – You never want the cream to boil or bubble aggressively.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra burst of flavor, toast the pine nuts before adding them to the sauce. This step enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the sauce.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in your pesto sauce, such as parsley, cilantro, or arugula, for unique flavor profiles.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Sauce!
- Pasta: Toss with cooked spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Pizza: Use as a base instead of tomato sauce.
- Sandwiches/Wraps: Spread for added flavor with grilled chicken or vegetables.
- Salads: Drizzle over green or pasta salads.
- Seafood: Top grilled or baked fish like salmon.
- Vegetables: Dip or sauce for roasted or grilled veggies.
- Appetizers: Serve as a dip for breadsticks or crackers.