Gather all ingredients and ensure basil leaves are clean and thoroughly dried.

If desired, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly!

Add basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.

Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, then pulse a few more times to combine.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container.