Creamy Pesto Sauce

4.0
(10)
9 Reviews
2 Photos

Lovingly known as just 'green spaghetti' in our family, this pesto is unique because of the addition of cream cheese which gives it a great creamy texture (plus no pine nuts!).

Submitted by *DW*
Updated on January 14, 2022
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
10 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

  • 2 ounces cream cheese

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 large clove garlic, minced

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the basil leaves and cook until tender and bright green, 2 to 5 minutes. Drain basil, reserving 2 tablespoons of the basil water.

  2. Blend basil, 2 tablespoons basil water, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, butter, and garlic in a blender until smooth and creamy.

Cook's Notes:

For a thinner sauce, add leftover water from blanching the basil to the sauce while in the blender. Also if you are not able to find fresh basil, you can substitute with frozen basil, use roughly a cup of frozen pre-cooked basil (or to taste).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

115 Calories
11g Fat
1g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 115
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 148mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 109mg 8%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 44mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.