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Pesto sauce is a classic Italian condiment that’s beloved around the world. But have you ever tried a creamy version of this tasty sauce? Our Creamy Pesto Sauce recipe takes the traditional flavors of pesto – fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese – and adds a luscious and velvety texture with the addition of heavy cream and cream cheese. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used to add a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, pizza, or even as a dip for vegetables or crackers.

History of Creamy Pesto Sauce

The history of the Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe is closely tied to the history of traditional pesto sauce, which originated in the Liguria region of Italy. The original pesto recipe dates back to the Middle Ages and was made with crushed garlic, pine nuts, basil, cheese, and olive oil. Over time, the Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe has evolved, with different regions and cooks putting their own spin on the classic sauce. The addition of cream to pesto sauce likely originated in the United States in the 1980s or 1990s as a way to create a richer and more decadent version of the sauce.

Ingredients Used In Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe

Fresh basil leaves: This sauce is seasoned with aromatic basil that imparts a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. Make sure to use fresh basil leaves for the best taste.

Pine nuts: Pine nuts are small, creamy-colored nuts that add a rich and nutty flavor to the sauce.

Grated Parmesan cheese: It adds a salty and savory note to the sauce and helps to thicken it.

Minced garlic cloves: Garlic is a pungent and flavorful ingredient that adds a bold and spicy flavor to the sauce. Make sure to mince the garlic finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.

Lemon zest: It adds a bright and tangy flavor to the sauce. The lemon peel should only be grated in the yellow part, as the white pith can be bitter if grated too much.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil is a flavorful oil that adds a fruity and slightly bitter taste to the sauce.

Heavy cream: The addition of heavy cream to the sauce gives it a luxurious texture.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for balancing the flavors in the sauce. Use them to taste, and adjust as needed.

Ingredients

fresh basil leaves (packed), 2 cups
pine nuts, ½ cup
grated pecorino cheese or parmesan, ½ cup
1 clove garlic, (peeled)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 – 1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper

Step By Step Instructions To Make Creamy Pesto Sauce

Step 1

The food processor should be set up. The basil, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic clove, and lemon zest should be placed in a food processor together. The mixture should be ground fine with a food processor.

Step 2

Following that, add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Repeat the process until the pesto sauce is smooth and thick.

Step 3

You will need 3/4 cup of heavy cream. The cream should be incorporated after a few pulses. The heavy cream can be increased by 1/4 cup if necessary. It is possible to thin out the sauce with water if it is too thick.

Step 4

Once you’ve tasted it, add salt and pepper as necessary. Make sure to refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when making Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients, particularly the basil, and garlic, will yield the best flavor.

Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are lightly browned will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the sauce.

Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender will make quick work of blending the ingredients together into a smooth sauce. If you don’t have a food processor or blender, a mortar and pestle can also be used.

Add the cream at the end: To prevent the sauce from curdling, add the heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process and cook for just a few minutes until the sauce is heated through.

Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cheese or pine nuts.

Variations

There are many variations of Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe that you can try, depending on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Different nuts: Instead of pine nuts, try using walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios in your sauce. Each nut will add a slightly different flavor and texture.

Different cheeses: While Parmesan cheese is the traditional cheese used in pesto, you can also try using other hard cheeses like pecorino Romano or Asiago, or even soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese.

Vegan options: To make a vegan version of Creamy Pesto Sauce, simply omit the cheese and heavy cream and replace them with nutritional yeast and coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute.

Greens: While basil is the most commonly used green in pesto, you can experiment with using other greens such as spinach, kale, or arugula.

Spicier version: For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to your sauce.

Instructions For Storage

If you have any leftover Creamy Pesto Sauce, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Here’s how:

Refrigerator storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to let the sauce cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary to thin it out.

Freezer storage: Creamy Pesto Sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat the sauce on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary to thin it out.

Note: Creamy Pesto Sauce can be a bit temperamental when it comes to reheating, so it’s important to reheat it slowly and gently to prevent it from breaking. If the sauce does separate or curdle, you can try whisking in a bit of cold heavy cream or olive oil to bring it back together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or cream alternatives such as coconut cream or cashew cream to make the sauce vegan-friendly.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is preferred for this recipe because it has a stronger flavor and aroma. However, you can use dried basil if fresh is not available.

Is this sauce spicy?

No, this sauce is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.

How do I thin out the sauce if it’s too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more olive oil or heavy cream. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed learning about this Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipe and the tips and tricks that go along with making it. With its simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow steps, making Creamy Pesto Sauce at home has never been easier. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?

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