Description

Pistachio Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that elevates any meal with its nutty aroma and fresh ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender pasta with a creamy, homemade pistachio pesto, resulting in a delightful experience for your taste buds. Perfect for casual gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish promises to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti or penne
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 cup unsalted pistachios (shelled)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, blend basil, pistachios, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor until finely chopped. Gradually drizzle in olive oil while processing until smooth.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the cooked pasta. In a large bowl, combine hot pasta with the pesto. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
4. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or toasted pistachios.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Boiling/Blending
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
Calories: 500
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 30g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before blending. Substitute basil with spinach or arugula for a unique twist. To make it vegan, omit cheese and use nutritional yeast instead.