Easy Classic Italian Basil Pesto

by Happy Stirring
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A classic pesto can seem so simple, but honestly there’s nothing better. This simple basil pesto comes together so quickly and is packed full of flavor! If you have basil, oil, garlic, and Romano cheese, you can make pesto in less than five minutes! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Just boil some pasta and pour that pesto over it. Also great for adding the perfect bite to your sandwiches or even soups!

Basil Pesto Without Nuts

If you’ve been around since my first Pesto post back when I started Happy Stirring, first of all thank you. But also, you already know why I omit the walnuts or pine nuts from my pesto. And it’s pretty simple, my boyfriend is allergic! But that will not stop me from enjoying pesto, and honestly? I can’t even taste the difference. Pesto is all about the basil and the garlic, and those two flavors shine through no matter what.

Blender Vs. Food Processor

Blender or food processor, either one works fine! You can even make pesto using a mortar and pestle (although I’ll be honest, that takes A LOT more effort and arm muscles.) I like to use the Ninja for pesto, it comes together quicker. Also my blender is about 100 years old, so it really doesn’t have enough power for anything, (don’t worry I’ll be getting a new one when I move in with my boyfriend!) Expect lots of soups, and smoothies in the Happy Stirring future.

Other Recipes To Try:

If you like this super easy basil pesto, check out these other Happy Stirring recipes:

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Simple Basil Pesto

A classic pesto can seem so simple, but honestly there's nothing better. This simple basil pesto comes together so quickly and is packed full of flavor! If you have basil, oil, garlic, and Romano cheese, you can make pesto in less than five minutes! It's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Just boil some pasta and pour that pesto over it. Also great for adding the perfect bite to your sandwiches or even soups!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 handfuls fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup parmesan or romano cheese

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in your blender or food processor, pulse until smooth.
Keyword basil, basil pesto, garlic, italian, pesto