Creamy Pesto Sauce is a delicious, creamy, and flavorful condiment that's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and so much more. It's made with a combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and has a bright, fresh flavor that's sure to impress.

Overhead image of creamy pesto sauce in a white ramiken

Why You'll Reach For This Sauce

Fast. A delicious sauce that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy. A simple no cook recipe that is versatile and delicious.
Low Carb. Only 4 net carbs per serving!
Vegetarian. A great flavorful addition to a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes.

What Is Creamy Pesto Made Of?

Basil leaves
Pine nuts
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Garlic
Heavy cream
Salt and pepper

How To Make Creamy Pesto

First, add the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it's finely chopped.
Next, with the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
Once all of the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy, add the heavy cream season with salt and pepper to taste.

Closeup of creamy pesto sauce in a white bowl

Variations

Add a kick of spice. If you like a spicy herbaceous flavor to add to veggies, marinades, pasta, or salads, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Double it up. Double this creamy pesto recipe for a bite that will satisfy today and many days to come.

How Can I Improve My Pesto?

If you're looking to improve your pesto, here are a few tips to try:

Use fresh, crisp ingredients. Fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese are all key ingredients in pesto, and using old or stale ingredients can give the sauce a less-than-optimal flavor. Be sure to use only the freshest ingredients for the best results.
Adjust the proportions to your taste preferences. Pesto is a highly customizable sauce, and the proportions of the ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a more basil-forward pesto, you can use more basil and less cheese and pine nuts. If you prefer a more creamy pesto, you can use more cheese, heavy cream, pine nuts, and less basil. Experiment with the proportions until you find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.
Try adding a little bit of lemon juice. A squeeze of lemon juice can help brighten up the flavors of the pesto and balance out any bitterness. Try adding a little bit at a time until you find the perfect balance.
Use a high-quality olive oil. Pesto is made with a lot of olive oil, so it's important to use a high-quality oil with a good flavor. Look for an oil that is made with cold-pressed olives and has a fruity, buttery flavor.

Why Does My Pesto Taste Bitter?

There are a few possible reasons why your pesto might be tasting bitter:

Old or wilted basil. Fresh basil is essential for making good pesto, and using old or wilted basil can give the sauce a bitter flavor. Be sure to use only fresh, crisp basil leaves for the best results.
Too much garlic. While garlic is a key ingredient in pesto, using too much can give the sauce a bitter flavor. Be sure to use only a moderate amount of garlic, or adjust to your taste preferences.
Too much cheese. You definitely don't want to skip the cheese in pesto, but using too much can give the sauce a bitter flavor. Be sure to use only a moderate amount of cheese, or adjust to your taste preferences.
Old or stale pine nuts. Pine nuts are another key ingredient in pesto, and using old or stale nuts can give the sauce a bitter flavor. Be sure to use only fresh, crisp pine nuts for the best results.

What To Serve It With

There are so many delicious ways to use creamy pesto sauce! You can toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches or wraps, use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even use it as a dip for veggies or chips. The possibilities are endless!

How Long Does It Last?

This creamy pesto can be used for so many things, you'll be tempted to double up the recipe and keep extra in your fridge for a quick flavorful bite.

You can use it immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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