Creamy Pesto Sauce

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Basil leaves - 1 cup (packed)
2. Pine nuts - ½ cup
3. Parmesan cheese - ½ cup (grated)
4. Cream cheese - 8 oz
5. Salt - ½ teaspoon
6. Black pepper - ½ teaspoon (crushed)
7. Extra virgin olive oil - ¼ cup
8. Garlic cloves - 2 (crushed)
9. Water or chicken broth - ½ cup

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely ground.
2. Add cream cheese, salt, and black pepper and blend until smooth.
3. While blending, gradually add extra virgin olive oil and water or chicken broth to achieve a creamy consistency.
4. Transfer the pesto sauce to a serving bowl and serve immediately with your desired dish.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving (depending on the added ingredients)
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• This creamy pesto sauce has a rich and flavorful taste, with a blend of basil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.
• It is creamy and smooth, making it a great addition to various dishes, especially pasta or grilled meats.
• The sauce has a unique aroma from the combination of ingredients and is sure to please any American palette.

User Comments:

1. "This pesto sauce was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on."
2. "The creamy texture made it perfect for my pasta dish. Will definitely make again."
3. "A unique and flavorful sauce that went well with my grilled chicken."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If not available, frozen ones can be used as a substitute.
• Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
• If you want a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine sieve to remove any larger pieces of basil or pine nuts.