Easy Homemade Pasta Sauces that are Better than Store-Bought

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Pesto Genovese

Pesto Genovese is a fresh, fragrant sauce made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on bread, or adding a flavorful touch to grilled vegetables, this classic Italian sauce is quick to prepare and full of bold flavors.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ? cup pine nuts, toasted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-4 min. until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture turns into a smooth sauce.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Toss the pesto with cooked pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip for bread or vegetables.

Hungry for more? Check out these 100 Easy Pasta Recipes that will Never Let You Down.

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