<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pesto-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A jar brimming with vibrant green basil pesto is labeled “Erren’s Kitchen.” In the top corner, a circular logo with utensils highlights the Quick & Easy charm of this homemade delight. The bottom displays a website URL for more Batch Pesto creations. - 1”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pesto-3-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A jar of quick and easy homemade pesto with a spoon, paired with a forkful of pasta swirled in sauce, topped with grated cheese. Text reads “Batch Pesto” and “Erren’s Kitchen”. - 2”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pesto-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A glass jar filled with easy, homemade pesto—a vibrant green sauce—with a spoon resting inside. A logo for “Erren’s Kitchen” graces the jar, while “www.errenskitchen.com” is artfully displayed at the bottom. - 3”>

A close-up of a jar filled with homemade pesto sauce. The pesto has a textured, oily surface with visible herbs and nuts, giving it a fresh and vibrant appearance. This quick and easy recipe highlights its rich green color and slightly chunky consistency. - 4 A jar filled with batch pesto sauce, with a silver spoon dipped into it. The vibrant mixture boasts a coarse texture, featuring ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. This quick & easy delight sits on a white surface. - 5 A fork twirls spaghetti coated in vibrant green pesto, quickly sprinkled with grated cheese. In the background, a blurred plate of this quick and easy pasta dish awaits. - 6

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pesto-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A jar brimming with vibrant green basil pesto is labeled “Erren’s Kitchen.” In the top corner, a circular logo with utensils highlights the Quick & Easy charm of this homemade delight. The bottom displays a website URL for more Batch Pesto creations. - 7”>

A top view of a jar filled with vibrant, batch pesto sauce. A spoon is dipped into the mixture, showcasing its coarse texture. A few pine nuts are scattered on the white marble surface beside the jar, emphasizing how quick & easy it is to elevate any meal with this delicious pesto. - 8

Whip up Quick & Easy Batch Pesto in no time! Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors, this versatile sauce is your new kitchen hero—perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or whatever you’re craving.

in this article:

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Erren’s Top Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
  • Quick & Easy Batch Pesto
A close-up of a jar filled with homemade pesto sauce. The pesto has a textured, oily surface with visible herbs and nuts, giving it a fresh and vibrant appearance. This quick and easy recipe highlights its rich green color and slightly chunky consistency. - 9

Every time I catch the scent of fresh basil, I’m instantly transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She would stand by the counter, patiently grinding basil, garlic, and pine nuts with her mortar and pestle, filling the air with that unmistakable aroma of pesto in the making. Those were the moments when cooking felt like magic. Inspired by her, I created my Quick & Easy Batch Pesto recipe—a nod to those cherished memories, but with a modern twist to save time. This vibrant green sauce brings all the flavor of her traditional pesto to everything from pasta to sandwiches, with none of the fuss. It’s my way of sharing a bit of her love and tradition with my own family and friends. Now, every time I smell basil, I feel like she’s right there with me, stirring up a little homemade magic.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Ready in Minutes : A fresh, flavorful sauce in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days.
  • Versatile Uses : Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle over grilled veggies.
  • Customizable : Use pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds, and tweak the flavor with lemon or spice.
A fork twirls spaghetti coated in vibrant green pesto, quickly sprinkled with grated cheese. In the background, a blurred plate of this quick and easy pasta dish awaits. - 10

Ingredient Notes

A quick and easy guide to pesto ingredients is laid out on a white surface, each labeled: pepper, salt, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and basil leaves. - 11
  • Fresh Basil Best Choice : Look for bright green leaves without any wilting. Substitutions : Try arugula, spinach, or even kale for a twist. Where to Find : Usually in the produce section near fresh herbs.
  • Pine Nuts Best Choice : Toast them lightly for extra depth of flavor. Substitutions : Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Where to Find : Check the baking or bulk nut aisle.
  • Parmesan Cheese Best Choice : Freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor. Substitutions : Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Where to Find : Refrigerated section near specialty cheeses.
  • Garlic Best Choice : Fresh, firm cloves for bold flavor. Substitutions : Garlic powder (start with 1/4 teaspoon). Where to Find : Produce aisle.
A jar filled with batch pesto sauce, with a silver spoon dipped into it. The vibrant mixture boasts a coarse texture, featuring ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. This quick & easy delight sits on a white surface. - 12

JUMP TO RECIPE

Step By Step Instructions

You can find the full, printable recipe at the bottom of this post (click the button above), but you can read a summary with step-by-step instructions and photos for each step below.

Wash and dry 2 cups (50g) of fresh basil leaves. Peel 2 garlic cloves and toast 1/3 cup (40g) of pine nuts (optional).

A white bowl filled with fresh green basil leaves, perfect for whipping up a quick pesto, sits against a white background. - 13

Blend the Base: Add basil, garlic, pine nuts, and 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.

A food processor bowl filled with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves, ready to be blended for an easy pesto recipe. - 14

Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, drizzle in 1/2 cup (120ml) of olive oil until smooth

Close-up of a food processor making a quick batch pesto. A stream of olive oil flows into the mixture, visible through the processor's transparent lid. - 15

Season and Adjust: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon pepper , and optional juice of 1/2 lemon . Blend briefly.

A close-up of a spoonful of chunky green pesto sauce held above a mixer bowl brimming with batch pesto. The sauce has vivid bits of herbs and nuts, showcasing its fresh texture. Perfect for an easy, quick recipe, the blurred background draws focus to the spoon's hearty contents. - 16

Serve or Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container, covering with olive oil to prevent browning. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze.

Erren’s Top Tips

  • Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh basil, good-quality olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan are key for vibrant pesto. Avoid dried herbs or pre-grated cheese.
  • Toast the Nuts – Toast pine nuts or other nuts before blending to bring out their natural flavor and add depth to your pesto.
  • Blend in Stages – Start with the nuts, garlic, and cheese, then gradually add basil and olive oil to achieve a smooth consistency without bitterness.
  • Add Lemon for Balance – A splash of lemon juice brightens the pesto and helps maintain its bright green color while balancing the rich flavors.
  • Store Properly – Keep pesto in an airtight container and cover with olive oil to prevent browning. For longer storage, freeze in portions.
  • A dd a touch of red pepper flakes for an added spicy kick.
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for single servings.

Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄

  • Refrigerator : Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer : Freeze in small portions (e.g., ice cube trays) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use.
A top view of a jar filled with vibrant, batch pesto sauce. A spoon is dipped into the mixture, showcasing its coarse texture. A few pine nuts are scattered on the white marble surface beside the jar, emphasizing how quick & easy it is to elevate any meal with this delicious pesto. - 17

Rate This Recipe

A top view of a jar filled with vibrant, batch pesto sauce. A spoon is dipped into the mixture, showcasing its coarse texture. A few pine nuts are scattered on the white marble surface beside the jar, emphasizing how quick & easy it is to elevate any meal with this delicious pesto. - 18

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • ▢ ⅓ cup pine nuts (or substitute with walnuts or almonds)
  • ▢ ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ▢ 2 clove garlic
  • ▢ ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
  • ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ▢ Optional: Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon for brightness)

Instructions

  • Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and blend briefly to combine. If desired, add the lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for later use.

Tips

  • Add a touch of red pepper flakes for spice.
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for single servings.
  • Scrape down the food processor to ensure even blending.

Nutrition

A top view of a jar filled with vibrant, batch pesto sauce. A spoon is dipped into the mixture, showcasing its coarse texture. A few pine nuts are scattered on the white marble surface beside the jar, emphasizing how quick & easy it is to elevate any meal with this delicious pesto. - 19

Quick & Easy Batch Pesto

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts or substitute with walnuts or almonds
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 clove garlic
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Juice of 1/2 lemon about 1 tablespoon for brightness

Instructions

  • Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and blend briefly to combine. If desired, add the lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for later use.

Video

Notes

  • Add a touch of red pepper flakes for spice.
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for single servings.
  • Scrape down the food processor to ensure even blending.

Nutrition

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