Pesto Sauce

Ocimum basilicum Sauce/Condiment

Pesto Sauce Sauce/Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce/Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The word "pesto" comes from the Genoese word "pestâ," meaning to pound or crush, referring to the traditional method of preparation with a mortar and pestle."

Definition

A vibrant green Italian sauce traditionally made from crushed basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, known for its aromatic, savory flavor.

Average Shelf Life (Opened) 1-2 weeks (refrigerated)
Key Herb Basil
Traditional Preparation Method Mortar and Pestle

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pesto Sauce are:

Aromatic Herbaceous Garlicky Nutty Salty Umami

Chef’s Secret

To prevent homemade pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, cover the surface directly with a thin layer of olive oil before refrigerating or freezing.

Best Substitutes

Chimichurri

tangier
Ratio 1:1

Romesco Sauce

nuttier, roasted flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for fresh pesto in the refrigerated section. Check for olive oil as the primary fat, not vegetable oil.

Recipes Using Pesto Sauce

Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Shells Preparation Course

Baked Shells With Pesto Mozzarella And Meat Sauce

A mouthwatering one-pan pasta bake! Creamy pesto, melted mozzarella, and rich meat sauce combine with perfectly cooked jumbo shells for a comforting and flavorful meal. Inspired by Food & Wine's one-dish meals, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Presentation Meat Preparation

Bacon Wrapped Chicken And Asparagus

Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon and tender asparagus spears – a flavor fusion that's irresistible! This easy recipe combines the best of comfort food and elegant dining in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation Easy Pork

Baked Sausage Penne

Craving a comforting yet unique baked pasta dish? This Baked Sausage Penne recipe elevates the classic with homemade marinara and pesto (jarred versions work perfectly too!). Swap in chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter twist. Designed for two with delicious leftovers, this weeknight-friendly recipe comes together quickly. Serve alongside a fresh green salad, crusty garlic bread, and your favorite red wine for a truly satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Side Dishes Course Asparagus Vegetables

Awesome Pesto Asparagus

This vibrant and flavorful pesto asparagus recipe is the perfect side dish for any occasion! Enjoy tender asparagus spears tossed in a creamy pesto sauce, baked to perfection with melted feta cheese. It's quick, easy, and bursting with fresh summery or comforting winter flavors. Add feta for an extra zing! Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Appetizers Holiday Event Cheese

Appetizer Cheese Trees Or Snowmen

Delight your guests with these adorable Christmas tree and snowman cheese balls! Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings. This recipe provides clear instructions and measurements for creating both charming cheese trees and jolly snowmen, guaranteed to be a hit.

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Breasts Main Dish Main Ingredient Poultry

Basil Pesto Chicken Casserole

This creamy, flavorful Basil Pesto Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight meal! Tender chicken breasts are coated in vibrant homemade pesto, then baked to perfection with juicy tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and melted cheese. Served over your favorite pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for using up leftover pesto!

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Course Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation

Angel Hair Pasta With Pesto And Tomatoes

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish ready in 20 minutes! This quick and easy recipe combines delicate angel hair pasta with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, fragrant pesto, and a touch of parmesan. Perfect as a light lunch, a delightful side, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Course Chicken Thighs Legs Poultry Main Ingredient

African Chicken Stew

Craving exotic comfort food? This vibrant African Chicken Stew, inspired by Food Network Kitchens, is ready in under 30 minutes! A vibrant Tunisian pesto adds a unique twist. This recipe makes a delicious cup of pesto – enough for the stew and leftovers to enjoy later! Prepare for a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Africa.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Rice And Grains 4 Hours Or Less Tomatoes Preparation

Baked Tomatoes With Basil Orzo

This vibrant Mediterranean recipe features juicy baked tomatoes filled with a creamy basil orzo. A light yet satisfying supper, perfect for a warm evening. Easily customizable – substitute yellow or green bell peppers for the tomatoes (simply cut off tops and seed; omit the salting step). Prepare for a burst of fresh flavors!

See Complete Recipe
European Italian Preparation Easy

Bek's Spiced Up Spaghetti Sauce

Tired of jarred sauce? This recipe, inspired by family requests, elevates simple spaghetti sauce to delicious heights! While not entirely from scratch, this recipe packs a flavor punch that rivals homemade, and it's incredibly versatile. Load it up with your favorite veggies for a nutritional boost – carrots, peppers, anything goes! The star? Spicy Italian sausage (though sweet Italian works in a pinch). Make a big batch (enough to feed an army!), freeze leftovers for later, and get ready for rave reviews.

See Complete Recipe
For 1 Or 2 Lunch 30 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood

Bacon Mozzarella Topped Portabella Mushroom With Pesto

Indulge in this mouthwatering Bacon Mozzarella Topped Portabella Mushroom with Pesto! This quick and easy recipe (ready in under 30 minutes!) is perfect for a light yet satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Impress your guests with this elegant dish inspired by an Italian bistro, featuring savory bacon and creamy mozzarella atop succulent portabella mushrooms. Low in saturated fat, it's a guilt-free treat for health-conscious eaters. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
South West Pacific South West Pacific Breakfast Easy

Baked Egg In Tomato

This recipe elevates a simple breakfast to a gourmet experience! Juicy tomatoes are baked until tender, creating the perfect vessel for a perfectly cooked egg. Impress your family or brunch guests with this easy-to-make, visually stunning dish. Get ready for a burst of fresh flavors!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Occasion Meat Time To Make

Antipasto Skewers

Fire up your grill for these vibrant Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers! A light and flavorful meal, perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy sausage, salty halloumi, and tender vegetables create a delicious combination. Ready in under 30 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less Poultry

Baked Pesto Chicken

Juicy, flavorful baked pesto chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead picnic! This recipe delivers a burst of fresh pesto flavor with tender, oven-baked chicken breasts. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it hot or cold – it's equally delicious either way! This is your new go-to recipe for satisfying and impressive meals.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Greens

15 Minute Florentine Pasta Salad

Ready in just 15 minutes, this vibrant Florentine Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavor! Made with convenient packaged linguine and zesty pesto, it's a quick and easy weeknight meal or perfect for a potluck. Elevate this simple recipe by adding grilled shrimp or chicken, sautéed mushrooms, fresh peas, carrots, or sun-dried tomatoes. Get creative and make it your own! Inspired by a classic Better Homes and Gardens recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Served Hot Pasta Preparation

Absolutely Delicious Pasta Sauce

My boyfriend claims this is the BEST pasta sauce he's ever tasted! This easy, no-fuss recipe is quick to make and bursting with flavor. I originally eyeballed the ingredients, but I've added measurements for your convenience. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple sauce!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Inexpensive Spreads Time To Make

Baked Pesto Ricotta

This creamy, dreamy Baked Pesto Ricotta Tart is the perfect appetizer or light lunch! Bursting with fresh pesto flavor and a wonderfully creamy ricotta filling, this easy recipe bakes up golden brown and perfectly firm. Serve warm on crusty bread or crackers for an unforgettable taste experience.

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood Time To Make Main Dish Cuisine

Baked Penne With Sausage And Spinach Oven Or Crock Pot

This comforting baked penne pasta recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in! It's bursting with flavor thanks to a vibrant blend of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, creamy mozzarella, zesty pesto, and rich tomato sauce. Choose your cooking method – bake it in the oven for bubbly perfection or slow-cook it in your crockpot for effortless deliciousness. Serve with a side of garlic bread (recipe #291227) for a complete and satisfying meal. Easy, inexpensive, and incredibly flavorful!

See Complete Recipe