Italian Pesto (Homemade Basil Pesto)

This homemade Italian pesto has just the right amount of Parmesan and Romano cheese and garlic to compliment the basil and would be delicious on our Spinach Pasta!

Homemade Italian pesto has to be one of the best recipes ever created. You just can’t go wrong with a delicious blend of basil, garlic, cheese, pine nuts, and rich olive oil.

This is a simple Italian Pesto recipe that’s great for even the newest chefs or home cooks. You will love it!

Traditionally, pesto is made with a marble mortar and wooden pestle, but I find that the food processor is the best way for me to make amazing pesto at home. (I don’t have much patience when it comes to food!)

🧂 Ingredients

• Fresh Basil Leaves – I used sweet Italian basil
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Pine Nuts
• Fresh Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Romano cheese
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper

Good quality fresh ingredients make all the difference when you’re making something like Italian Pesto.

🔪Instructions

This is meant to be a brief overview of this Italian pesto recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

1. Wash and pat dry the basil.
2. To the food processor, add the basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse while drizzling in the olive oil.
3. When all the oil has been added, process until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the basil mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the cheeses.

Equipment

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• Food Processor
• Cutting Board
• Santoku Knife
• Dry Measuring Cups

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💭 Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this basil and parmesan pesto recipe.

📖 Variations

There are so many variations of pesto so you can definitely customize this to suit your tastes.

• Instead of parmesan and romano, you can use parmigiano reggiano or pecorino romano.
• Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios or sunflower seeds are great substitutions for pine nuts.
• For a little extra brightness, you can add a little bit of fresh lemon juice.
• If you prefer the mellow flavor of roasted garlic you can use that instead of raw garlic.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Pick up a loaf of freshly baked French bread, a bottle of wine and gift your hostess (or host) with a jar of this delicious Italian pesto to accompany it. They’ll be sure to thank you! Add a pretty ribbon and cute gift tag to really dress it up.

There are a variety of ways to this fresh basil pesto from garlic bread or even just a simple pesto sauce for pasta dishes. (I adore pesto on potato gnocchi!) It’s great as a sandwich spread like with this Turkey Pesto Panini Sandwich.

😋 Similar Recipes

The first thing I made this holiday season was Olive Tapenade Crostini, and it was so tasty! Here are some other great recipes to try:

• Antipasto Kabobs – these are perfect for your next party or gathering.
• Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings – Baked – these salty-sweet wings are hard to resist and the perfect party dish.
• Elegant Fruit Cheese Platter – this platter is an easy and delicious way to impress your guests.

⏲️ Storage

Fresh pesto can be stored in a mason jar with a lid or another type of airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.

For longer storage, you can freeze pesto in an ice cube tray and then store the frozen cubes in a labeled freezer bag. You can keep these in the freezer for up to 6 months. This is a great way to enjoy pesto all through the long winter months.

😍 More Ideas You’ll Love

• Garlic Basil Compound Butter
• How to Harvest Basil Leaves
• Cricut DIY Dried Herb Mason Jars (with SVG)
• Easy Basil Salt with Printable Label

📋 Italian Pesto

Homemade Pesto is one of my most favorite things to make. It’s quick, easy, and delicious on pasta, garlic bread, sandwiches and just about anything else you can think of! 

Not ready to make this pesto yet? Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!