Pistachio Pasta is a super tasty dish that's a bit different from your usual pasta. It uses ground pistachios to make a creamy, nutty sauce that coats your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti. We add garlic and Parmesan cheese to make the sauce even more delicious, and a bit of cream makes it super smooth and rich.
This dish is a great way to try something new with pasta, using pistachios for a fun twist. It's easy to make for a fancy dinner or when you just want to treat yourself to something special.
Why This Recipe Works
This Pistachio Pasta recipe is amazing because it's simple but feels fancy. The pistachios create a sauce that's different from what you're used to, giving the pasta a rich and creamy texture with a unique, nutty flavor. Adding garlic and Parmesan cheese brings in familiar Italian tastes that everybody loves, making the dish comforting yet exciting. The heavy cream ties everything together, making the sauce silky smooth. This recipe is perfect for when you want to impress someone or enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without too much fuss.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can use any type of pasta you like, making it a great recipe to turn to no matter what you have in your pantry. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or looking for something new to try, this dish can be adapted to suit your taste. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for extra protein, or keep it simple to let the flavors of the sauce shine through. Plus, it's a fantastic way to introduce more nuts into your diet in a fun and delicious way. This Pistachio Pasta proves that a few quality ingredients can come together to create a dish that's both comforting and extraordinary.
Ingredients
Pasta - Fettuccine or tagliatelle works best for holding onto the sauce. Spaghetti or linguine are good substitutes.
Pistachios - The star of the dish, providing a nutty flavor and creamy texture when blended into the sauce. Almonds or walnuts can be used as substitutes but will change the flavor profile.
Garlic - Adds depth and aroma to the sauce. If garlic is too strong for you, try shallots for a milder taste.
Parmesan Cheese - Brings a salty, umami flavor that complements the pistachios. Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper taste.
Heavy Cream - Gives the sauce its rich, silky texture. For a lighter version, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be substitutes.
Tips
- Toast the pistachios lightly to enhance their flavor before blending.
- Save some pasta water to help thin the sauce if needed and make it cling to the pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Add the Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid it becoming gritty.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and extra Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Pistachio pasta is a unique and elegant dish that's perfect for when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something special. Its rich, creamy sauce with a distinct nutty flavor from the pistachios makes it stand out from your typical pasta dishes. It's both luxurious and comforting, making it suitable for a cozy dinner at home or a festive occasion.
- As a Main Course: Serve the pistachio pasta with a side of crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce and a simple green salad to balance the richness.
- With Seafood: Top the pasta with grilled shrimp or scallops for a gourmet meal that's sure to impress.
- As Part of an Italian Feast: Include pistachio pasta as one of the courses in a multi-course Italian dinner, following a light appetizer and preceding a meaty main dish.
Similar Recipes
Pistachio Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle
- 1 cup shelled pistachios plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, blend the pistachios and garlic in a food processor until finely ground.
- In a pan over medium heat, combine the ground pistachio mixture, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat well. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to let the pasta absorb the sauce.
- Serve the pasta garnished with crushed pistachios and additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition
Notes
- Toast the pistachios lightly to enhance their flavor before blending.
- Save some pasta water to help thin the sauce if needed and make it cling to the pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Add the Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid it becoming gritty.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and extra Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.