Quick Herb And Cream Cheese Pesto Recipes

PESTO HERB SPREAD

Steps:

• Place cream cheese and pesto in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Mix in the chives and cilantro. Continue blending until smooth. Transfer to a mold lined with plastic wrap. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 1 hour, or until firm.

QUICK PESTO

Steps:

• In a food processor, finely chop 1/2 clove garlic. Add 1/4 cup nuts and grind. Add 2 cups herbs and process with 1/4 cup olive oil. Add 1/2 cup cheese (if using) and process to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

PESTO CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Line a 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pan with plastic wrap. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic powder until blended; set aside. In another small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, garlic, basil and marjoram until blended. Stir in walnuts. Gradually stir in oil., Spread about 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture in prepared pan. Carefully spread with a third of the Parmesan mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Unmold; serve with crackers.

SUMMER HERB PESTO

Steps:

• Blend the garlic, basil, parsley, spinach, oregano, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a blender or food processor until smooth.

QUICK & SIMPLE PESTO (CLASSIC PESTO RECIPE) SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor & cover.
• Blend on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides, until smooth.

EVERY HERB PESTO

Steps:

• Blend the almonds and garlic in a food processor until fine. Add the spinach, cheese, herbs, lemon zest and lemon juice to the food processor. Blend the herbs just enough so they are mixed, about 3 seconds. Add the canola oil and olive oil while the food processor is on a low setting. Season with salt and pepper. Blend to desired consistency. Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl. Place the chopped tomatoes on top of the crostini if using and top with pesto. Any leftover pesto should be placed in a bowl and covered with plastic wrap. Press the plastic wrap right on top of the pesto and refrigerate.

MIXED HERB PESTO PENNE

Steps:

• Place the basil, parsley, cheese, mint, pine nuts, thyme, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor and season with salt and pepper. Turn the processor on and add the EVOO in a slow stream, blending until a thick sauce forms. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for 1 more minute. Add the haricots verts and cook until the pasta is al dente, 2 to 3 more minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the pesto. Drain the pasta, then add it to the bowl with the pesto and toss to coat.

HERB PESTO

Steps:

• Combine first 6 ingredients in processor. Blend until herbs are finely chopped. Add oil and blend to coarse puree. Season pesto to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of pesto and chill.

PASTA WITH PESTO & FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Pound the pesto ingredients to a paste in a pestle and mortar or food processor.
• Cook the pasta. Drain, return to the pan with the pesto and stir over a low-ish heat for 2-3 mins - not any longer or the sauce will go grey. Add the spinach and stir well for 1 min until it wilts. Add the walnuts, rocket, parsley, sage, chives, basil and tarragon, if using, and oil. Take off the heat and stir well before serving sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

THREE-HERB PESTO

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor purée all ingredients with salt and pepper to taste until smooth.Pesto keeps in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, chilled, up to 1 week.
• Let pesto come to room temperature before using. Makes about 1 cup.

QUICK HERB AND CREAM CHEESE PESTO

Steps:

• Remove herb leaves from stems if necessary.
• Put all the ingredients in a food processor and whizz until a fine paste forms and all the herbs have been incorporated.
• (You could add chopped sundried tomatoes if you do not have enough fresh herbs).
• Scrape into a small container. Spread on hot toast, fresh bread, or pasta.