Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce

This pistachio pesto pasta is a mouth-watering dish featuring a luscious pistachio sauce made from the finest Sicilian pistachios from Bronte. With its creamy texture and exquisite flavor, Pasta al Pistacchio is a beloved classic in Sicilian cuisine. This Sicilian pasta is seasoned with a rich and nutty sauce made with pistachio nuts, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Whether you're seeking delicious recipes or simply crave a creamy pasta dish, this pistachio sauce recipe is a must-try. 

This pistachio pasta is an excellent alternative to the classic Ligurian trofie with pesto Genovese.

In Italian cuisine, we use the word Pesto to describe any sauce made by pounding different combinations of fresh herbs and nuts with a pestle.

There are various types of pesto, and the most common are the traditional pesto Genovese with basil and pine nuts, pesto Trapanese with fresh tomatoes, basil and almonds, basil pistachio pesto and arugula pesto.

While you can buy at the grocery store pesto jars already made, the homemade pesto is so much better and so easy to make.

All these pesto varieties are the perfect seasoning for Summer pasta dishes and not only.

They are quickly made with a handful of ingredients in only a few minutes.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Storage
• Other ways to serve the pistachio pesto
• Top tip
• Sicilian Pistachio from Bronte
• For more recipes with pistachios
• 📋Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce

Ingredients

To make the Pistachio pesto you need these simple ingredients:

• Raw pistachio kernels: I buy the Sicilian pistachios from Bronte, grown on the slopes of the Etna volcano. The hard shell is removed, and the raw pistachios are sundried in the Sicilian sun in September. They should be unsalted pistachios
• Fresh basil leaves
• Good quality Extra-virgin olive oil
• A pinch of salt
• Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano
• Fresh garlic clove (optional)
• Pasta corta: a short-shaped pasta is the best combination for this pesto as it blends better with the pistachio mixture

See the recipe card for quantities.

Hint: you do not need to add heavy cream or butter to have a creamy pistachio sauce. Heavy cream is not a common ingredient used in the South of Italy. It would make this pistachio basil pesto too rich, while we want to keep it light and fresh.

Instructions

Hint: if you want more detailed directions, read the article: 38 Tips On How to cook pasta like an Italian.

7. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the pesto sauce and serve immediately with some freshly grated parmesan cheese or Pecorino cheese to sprinkle on top

Storage

This pistachio pesto will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

The best ways to store it is in a glass, ceramic, or plastic airtight container or mason jars

Many people freeze their basil or classic basil pesto in ice cube trays or freezer bag

I would not recommend it as the unique flavor loose its freshness and the texture becomes mushy.

Other ways to serve the pistachio pesto

This vegan pistachio pesto recipe is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian meals.

It is a versatile sauce that can be used as savory salad seasoning for fresh vegetables and cherry tomatoes.

You can also use this delicious pesto to add flavor and a crunchy texture to a sandwich or a bruschetta.

This flavorful sauce is also a great companion to grilled, barbecued or roasted meats like Picanha BBq, crown roast of lamb, roast beef, or spiedini.

There is also a sweet version of a pistachio paste used for pastry, which is entirely different from this recipe.

I will share this great recipe with you another time.

Sicilian Pistachio from Bronte

The Arabs brought the pistachio plant to Sicily during their 8^th and 9^th centuries.

As the pistachio plant is very resilient and thrives in harsh environments, it adapted and grew in the challenging volcanic soils of Mount Etna.

This characteristic terrain, prevalent in the Bronte area and its surroundings, soon became the hub of pistachio cultivation, evolving into the most prominent tree crop.

The local community has built its tradition and prosperity around the pistachio, earning Bronte the name "city of pistachio."

Not only can the pistachio be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer without requiring additional cooking or processing, but its exceptional aroma and superior quality have made it an integral component of Sicilian pastry and cuisine throughout history.

In Bronte's culinary traditions, pastry chefs have long employed the pistachio to create delectable treats such as ice creams, pastes, creams, and liqueurs.

Pistachios have also become popular in delicious main courses and side dishes from sauces, pasta, sausages, pizze and arancini.

Furthermore, pistachios have many health benefits: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and lower cholesterol.

Another reason to use them widely in our dietary choices.

To learn more about Sicilian cuisine, read the article Traditional Italian cuisines by region or Italian street food by region .

For more recipes with pistachios

Try these:

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