Quick Herb and Cream Cheese Pesto
Elevate your mealtime repertoire with this Quick Herb and Cream Cheese Pesto—an irresistibly creamy and vibrant twist on classic pesto that comes together in just 10 minutes! Featuring the bold flavors of fresh basil and parsley, this recipe is perfectly balanced with tangy cream cheese, nutty Parmesan, and a hint of zesty lemon. The addition of pine nuts and garlic lends a rich, savory depth, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures the perfect silky texture. Whether you're tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a gourmet dip for veggies, this versatile pesto is a foolproof crowd-pleaser. Its quick no-cook preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Fresh parsley leaves
- 4 ounces Cream cheese
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 none Garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 0.25 cups Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil and parsley leaves to remove any dirt or moisture.
In a food processor, combine the basil, parsley, garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse several times until the mixture is roughly chopped.
Add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen it slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 125.4 g | 161% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.0 g | 205% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 154 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 2261 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 30.6 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 787 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1158 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
