Classic Basil Pesto alla Genovese

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A vibrant, herbaceous sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, perfect for pasta or spreading on bread. This Italian-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, blends Fresh basil leaves, Garlic cloves, Extra virgin olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  2. Step 2: With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add Parmesan and pine nuts. Process until well combined and slightly chunky, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before use.

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