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    Home » Recipes » Pasta with vegetables

    Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce

    Published: May 15, 2023 · Modified: May 28, 2024. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Recipe Jump to Video
    Pistachio pesto pasta pin
    Pistachio pesto pasta pin

    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. 

    Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce served on a plate
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step instructions with images
    • 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

    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.

    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.

    ingredients to make pistachio pasta

    Step by step instructions with images

    In a food processor, place the basil leaves, the pistachios, a pinch of salt and the extra virgin olive oil.
    1. In a food processor, place the basil leaves, the pistachios, a pinch of salt and the extra virgin olive oil. Garlic clove is optional.
    Mince with the high-speed blender until all the pistachios are chopped
    1. Mince with the high-speed blender until all the pistachios are chopped
    Bring to boil a large pot of salted water
    1. Bring to boil a large pot of salted water
    Once the water is boiling, pour in the pasta
    1. Once the water is boiling, pour in the pasta and cook for one minute less than what is written in the package instructions.

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

    add a few tablespoons of the cooking water to the pistachio paste
    1. While the pasta is boiling, add a few tablespoons of the cooking water to the pistachio paste and blend.
    Add more water until you reach a creamy texture.
    1. Add more water until you reach the desired consistency of the pesto. It should have a creamy texture.
    1. 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
    Add the pesto to the drained pasta and serve immediatelly

    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.

    Pistachio pasta served with parmesan cheese and pistachio pesto on a side to be added

    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.

    Fork holding pasta with pistachio pesto

    Top tip

    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.

    Pistachio pasta served with parmesan cheese and pistachio pesto on a side to be added

    Sicilian Pistachio from Bronte

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

    Fork holding pasta with pistachio pesto

    For more recipes with pistachios

    Try these:

    • Italian gelato recipe vanilla, chocolate and pistachio balls in a serving bowl
      Italian Gelato Recipe (Vanilla, Chocolate and Pistachio)
    • Torrone nougat recipe
      Nougat Recipe - Italian Torrone
    • peach tarte tatin
      Easy Peach Tarte Tatin Recipe
    • Butter Biscuits with Bronte Pistachios
      3 Ingredient Cookies No Egg No Cookie Cutter

    If you are making any of this Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce, leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, or sign up to my newsletter.

    Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce

    📋Pasta With Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Sauce

    5 from 2 votes
    Laura Tobin
    Servings 5 people
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe
    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.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Braun blender
    • Pasta pan 8-Quart 3-Piece

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 cup peeled whole pistachios
    • 1 ½ cup fresh basil leaves
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1 lb pasta corta
    • ½ tablespoon salt for pasta
    • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

    Instructions
     

    Make the pistachio pesto

    • In a food processor, place the basil leaves, the pistachios, a pinch of salt and the extra virgin olive oil. Garlic clove is optional.
      1 cup peeled whole pistachios, 1 ½ cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 pinch salt
    • Mince with the high-speed blender until all the pistachios are chopped

    Cook the pasta

    • Bring to boil a large pot of salted water
      ½ tablespoon salt for pasta
    • Once the water is boiling, pour in the pasta and cook for one minute less than what is written in the package instructions.
      1 lb pasta corta
    • While the pasta is boiling, add a few tablespoons of the cooking water to the pistachio paste and blend.
    • Add more water until you reach the desired consistency of the pesto. It should have a creamy texture.
    • 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
      ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

    Video

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 568kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 21gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 873mgPotassium: 481mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 522IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 177mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
    important notes on ingredients

    More Pasta with vegetables

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    • How to make pasta better than this
      38 Tips On How To Cook Perfect Pasta Like An Italian (Video)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Helen Porter

      May 28, 2023 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Can't wait to make this unique recipe. I am always looking for "quick" meals with very few ingredients and this one looks delicious but simple and does not take a long time to make. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Laura

        May 28, 2023 at 12:21 pm

        You are very welcome, I am sure you will enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Nelda

      July 16, 2023 at 3:02 am

      I buy pistachio pesto from Bronte too. It is so good. The guy that worked with him while in Bronte sent some home with him. Then we loved it so much, I ordered it from Bronte. Now Amazon sells it. Try it you'll love it. I have been looking for this recipe for years. Thanks a lot, Laura.

      Reply
      • Laura

        July 16, 2023 at 5:43 pm

        Good to know. Thank you for the information. I will put it on the recipe

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Laura Giunta Tobin

    Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome to my blog! While many talk about Italian food, I’ve lived it firsthand. Here, I share real Italian home cooking, just as it’s made in Italy. Won’t you join me?

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