Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio: A Creamy Italian Delight
Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Blender or food processor
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- 400 g 14 oz of your choice of pasta (spaghetti or penne work well)
- Salt for boiling water
- For the sauce:
- 150 g 5 oz of shelled pistachios
- 200 g 7 oz of ricotta cheese
- 60 ml 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g 1.75 oz of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 cloves of garlic minced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Method
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, place the pistachios, ricotta cheese, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic (if using), and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- In a skillet over low heat, combine the drained pasta and the pistachio sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs, additional Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy immediately!
- Variations
- Vegan Option: Substitute the ricotta cheese with a vegan cream cheese or blended tofu. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Nut-Free: You can replace pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor.
If you’re in the mood for a comforting pasta dish that elevates your dinner with its rich flavors, let me show you how I make Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio. This delightful Italian recipe combines the earthy taste of pistachios with the creaminess of ricotta cheese, creating a sauce that’s both luxurious and simple to prepare. From my own personal experience, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Notes on What to Expect
Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio has a creamy texture and a subtly nutty flavor that is sure to impress. The bright notes of lemon cut through the richness, making it a well-balanced dish.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 600 calories per serving
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
- Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Blender or food processor
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio now.
Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) of your choice of pasta (spaghetti or penne work well)
- Salt for boiling water
- For the sauce:
- 150g (5 oz) of shelled pistachios
- 200g (7 oz) of ricotta cheese
- 60ml (1/4 cup) of extra virgin olive oil
- 50g (1.75 oz) of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio now.
Method
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, place the pistachios, ricotta cheese, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic (if using), and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- In a skillet over low heat, combine the drained pasta and the pistachio sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs, additional Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Variations
- Vegan Option: Substitute the ricotta cheese with a vegan cream cheese or blended tofu. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Nut-Free: You can replace pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor.
Tips
- Pasta Cooking: Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your opportunity to season the pasta itself!
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your sauce by adding more or less pasta water. The starch in the water helps to create a silky texture.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 600
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Salsa di Pistacchio seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>