← All recipes

Fresh, Fast, and Flexible

Basic Basil Pesto

A bright basil pesto with toasted pine nuts, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and optional Parmesan.

Makes
Makes about 1 cup
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
No cooking required

Method

  1. 01

    Chop the base

    In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well chopped.

  2. 02

    Add the basil

    Add the basil and pulse until combined.

  3. 03

    Drizzle in the oil

    With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined.

  4. 04

    Add the Parmesan

    Add the Parmesan, if using, and pulse briefly to combine.

  5. 05

    Toss with pasta

    Toss with hot farfalle and a splash of pasta water until glossy.

    Tip: Want it smoother? Just add more olive oil.