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Best Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe
Best Basil Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe (Super Easy!)- celebrates the flavors of Italy while highlighting the vibrant, nutty essence of the homemade pistachio pesto. Buon appetito!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 910 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne) 450g
Basil Pistachio Pesto:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-reggiano cheese more for serving
- ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the pesto: Combine the shelled pistachios, garlic cloves, and basil leaves in a food processor or blender. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add the cheeses and olive oil: Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses to the food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine the pesto and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly prepared pistachio pesto until well coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Serve: Divide the pesto-coated pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios (or the suggestions in the notes), if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy your authentic Italian basil pistachio pesto pasta!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Optional toppings:
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and sweetness to the pesto pasta. They also provide a pop of color and texture, making the dish more visually appealing.
- Burrata cheese: Adding burrata to pesto pasta adds a luxurious and indulgent touch to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: Add some depth and complexity to your pesto pasta by topping it with grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The smoky flavors of the vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Shaved Parmesan curls: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of Parmesan cheese and scatter them over the pesto pasta for an elegant and sophisticated presentation. The Parmesan curls add a touch of luxury to the dish.
Nutrition Information
Calories
910kcal
(46%)
Carbohydrates
95g
(32%)
Protein
28g
(56%)
Fat
48g
(74%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
8g
Monounsaturated Fat
29g
Cholesterol
15mg
(5%)
Sodium
284mg
(12%)
Potassium
627mg
(18%)
Fiber
7g
(28%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
884IU
(18%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
295mg
(30%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 910
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 910kcal | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 95g | 32% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 29g | 145% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 284mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 627mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 884IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 295mg | 30% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.