Few sauces capture the essence of fresh herbs like classic pesto. Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce is a vibrant, garlicky blend of basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil that’s incredibly versatile and quick to make.

What Is Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce?

Ina Garten’s pesto is a traditional Genovese-style green sauce made by blending fresh basil leaves with toasted pine nuts, garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s smooth yet textured, rich yet bright, and perfect for elevating simple meals with minimal effort.

Ina Garten Pesto Sauce recipe — Ina Garten Pesto Sauce

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce

Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in 10 minutes with a food processor
Bursting with fresh flavor – Basil and garlic provide aromatic depth
Perfect for meal prep – Stores well in the fridge or freezer
Customizable base – Works with a variety of herbs and nuts
Gourmet results at home – Restaurant-level flavor with everyday ingredients
Pairs well with many dishes – From pasta to sandwiches and beyond

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce

1/4 cup walnuts (or pine nuts)
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts)
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Pesto Sauce

Toast the nuts for depth

In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly toast the walnuts and pine nuts for about 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly.

Combine herbs and garlic

In a food processor, add the basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.

Add toasted nuts

Toss in the cooled walnuts and pine nuts and pulse a few more times to combine.

Stream in olive oil

While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil and blend until smooth but still slightly textured.

Finish with cheese

Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse just until incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Store or serve

Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for later.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce

Pasta dishes – Perfect for linguine, spaghetti, or penne
Grilled chicken or shrimp – Adds bold, herbal notes
Sandwich spreads – Great on paninis or wraps
Roasted vegetables – Drizzle over carrots, potatoes, or squash
Soups and stews – Swirl into minestrone or bean soup
Flatbreads and pizzas – Use as a base or drizzle on top
Egg dishes – Brightens omelets or scrambled eggs

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce

Use fresh basil only – Avoid wilted leaves for best flavor
Toast the nuts – Enhances nutty richness and aroma
Control texture – Pulse ingredients instead of pureeing fully
Add oil slowly – Helps create a creamy, cohesive emulsion
Don’t over-blend with cheese – Stir in at the end to avoid gumminess
Adjust seasoning after cheese – Parmesan adds saltiness
Use high-quality oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds essential depth

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce

Use spinach or arugula – Great if basil isn’t in season
Swap in almonds or cashews – Budget-friendly and tasty
Add lemon zest or juice – For a bright, tangy lift
Include sun-dried tomatoes – For a more savory flavor
Try with parsley or mint – Offers a refreshing twist
Make it vegan – Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast
Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne

How to Store Ina Garten Pesto Sauce

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed glass jar for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Spoon into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer cubes to a bag. Use within 3 months.
Oil seal: Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
Avoid metal containers: Basil reacts with metal and may discolor the sauce.
Label your containers: Always include the date for freshness tracking.

How to Reheat Ina Garten Pesto Sauce

Room temperature: For best flavor and texture, let pesto sit out for 15 minutes before using.
Microwave: Use low power for just 10–15 seconds. Avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a nonstick pan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Frozen cubes: Drop directly into hot pasta or soup and stir to melt evenly.

Nutritional Value (per 2 tablespoons)

Calories: 170
Protein: 2g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 150mg
Sugar: 0g

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s pesto sauce without pine nuts?

Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Walnuts are the most common alternative and provide a similarly rich texture.

How long does homemade pesto last in the refrigerator?

Ina Garten’s pesto sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week. To preserve the vibrant green color, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container.

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s pesto sauce?

Yes. Pesto freezes well. Spoon it into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. It stays good for up to 3 months.

Do I need to toast the nuts before making pesto?

Toasting enhances the flavor and adds a subtle nuttiness to the sauce. It’s recommended but not required, especially if you’re short on time.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce is a timeless staple that brings garden-fresh flavor to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for guests, this sauce adds a gourmet touch in minutes. Once you make it from scratch, store-bought pesto won’t compare.