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Spur-Of-The-Moment Pesto

Spur-of-the-Moment Pesto recipe image
This spur-of-the-moment pesto transforms leftover ingredients into a vibrant, protein-packed sauce perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Unlike traditional smooth pestos, this version retains a rustic texture with identifiable chunks of minced chicken and toasted pecans, adding satisfying crunch and heartiness. The fresh basil and garlic provide a bright, aromatic base, while the parmesan and anchovies deliver deep, savory umami notes. It is incredibly versatile, working beautifully tossed with hot pasta, chilled for a pasta salad, or spread on sandwiches. With minimal prep time and pantry staples, this recipe is a reliable way to use up leftovers while creating a flavorful, Italian-inspired dish that feels both comforting and fresh.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 1192.6
Description
This spur-of-the-moment pesto transforms leftover ingredients into a vibrant, protein-packed sauce perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Unlike traditional smooth pestos, this version retains a rustic texture with identifiable chunks of minced chicken and toasted pecans, adding satisfying crunch and heartiness. The fresh basil and garlic provide a bright, aromatic base, while the parmesan and anchovies deliver deep, savory umami notes. It is incredibly versatile, working beautifully tossed with hot pasta, chilled for a pasta salad, or spread on sandwiches. With minimal prep time and pantry staples, this recipe is a reliable way to use up leftovers while creating a flavorful, Italian-inspired dish that feels both comforting and fresh.
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup Basil, globe, fresh
  • 1 1/2 cup Basil, holy (krapau)
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 2 teaspoon Chives; chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup Olive oil
  • 1 cup Parmesan; grated
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper, black
  • 1/2 cup Pecan pieces
  • 1 cup Chicken, leftover; minced
  • 2 fillets Anchovy (optional)
Directions
  1. 1
    Place the fresh basil, holy basil, garlic, chives, grated parmesan, anchovies, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor.
  2. 2
    Add 1/2 cup of the olive oil to the processor bowl.
  3. 3
    Pulse or blend at low speed until the mixture forms a thick, coarse puree.
  4. 4
    With the machine running at low speed, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1 cup of olive oil until fully incorporated and emulsified.
  5. 5
    Add the minced leftover chicken to the processor.
  6. 6
    Pulse briefly, no more than five seconds, just to distribute the chicken without pureeing it.
  7. 7
    Add the pecan pieces.
  8. 8
    Pulse one final time, no more than five seconds, ensuring the pecans and chicken remain identifiable chunks in the sauce.
  9. 9
    Transfer to a serving bowl and use immediately over pasta or in salads.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1192.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 119.9g185%
Saturated Fat 17.5g88%
Cholesterol 53.4mg18%
Sodium 4931.9mg206%
Total Carbohydrate 10.2g4%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g24%
Sugars 1.8g
Protein 25.0g50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before sealing.

Ingredient Substitutions: If you do not have holy basil, you can substitute with additional sweet basil or a mix of basil and spinach. For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and chicken, and consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts instead of pecans.

Variations: This pesto is highly customizable. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. The pecans add a unique sweetness and crunch; toasted pecans will enhance the flavor further.

Tips: When adding the oil, do it slowly to create a stable emulsion. If the pesto seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or pasta water. If too thin, add more parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestion: While great on hot pasta, this chunky pesto also works well as a spread for sandwiches, a dip for crusty bread, or a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Keywords: pesto, basil, chicken, pecan, parmesan, garlic, anchovy, olive oil, pasta sauce, italian, leftovers, quick meal, food processor, herb sauce, vegetarian option, summer recipe, meal prep, easy cooking, flavorful, rustic
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/spur-of-the-moment-pesto/