There is nothing like homemade pesto in pistachio pesto pasta. Enjoy these last bits of summer to pasta dishes for a wonderful dinner ready in a flash, or use as a marinade or spread for sandwiches. And don’t forget to pair this pasta with mini cheesecakes or dark chocolate red wine cake for dessert.
Guys, it’s November already and it seems like everyone is talking about fall and cold weather but it is still pretty much summer in SF, even though we’ve had a few gloomy and rainy days and flu season. Since there’s no real sign of fall yet, I’ve been enjoying the last bits of summer to the fullest. In honor of this summery weather, I wanted to make a dish that evoked that same light, fresh summery feeling. We definitely needed something a little lighter after all the candy we got over the weekend! Did you guys dress up in costumes? We sure did!
Quick funny Halloween story… Over the weekend one of my friends was talking about his trick or treating experience when he was sixteen. Obviously, he was too ‘big’ for candies. He stopped at one house and the guy who opened the door handed over broccoli instead. Isn’t that hilarious?! I wouldn’t have been very happy if I were him! Now… if the guy was handing out this pistachio pesto pasta dish, that would’ve been a different story.
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The ingredients
If you’re new to pesto making, don’t feel intimidated just yet. Making pesto is super quick and easy, and this is an easy pesto pasta dish you will make often.
- Roasted pistachios. You can use salted or unnsalted pistachios
- Fresh basil, fresh mint and yes, make sure they’re fresh
- Garlic cloves for extra layer of taste
- Olive oil
- Lemon to balance the garlicky flavor
- Salt
- Fresh pasta (pasta fresca) for a better pasta dish; however, you can also use dried pasta (pasta secca)
How to make pesto pasta
- Fill a saucepan with water and salt generously. Bring to a boil.
- In the meantime, add all of the ingredients; except pasta and olive oil, to a food processor. Mix to combine. While the machine is running, stream in olive oil through the spout. Blend until creamy and fully combined. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions or drain when noodles are al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add pesto. Toss to coat. Add olive oil or pasta water if pesto needs more liquid.
- Serve warm with more parmesan cheese and parsley on top.
Storing
Store leftover pesto pasta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze pesto pasta
Yes, you can put this pasta dish in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze pesto
Yes, any herb-based pesto freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also use an ice cube tray to store this pistachio pesto, freeze until solid and then transfer the cubes to a plastic freezer bag for storage.
What to add to pesto pasta
You can add saute mushrooms with butter, crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or grilled shrimp to this pasta dish.
If you’ve been hoping that summer would last a little bit longer, you need to try this pistachio pesto pasta because it’s my new favorite dish! I’m a big fan of pasta but when I made this pesto, I have to admit I was really impressed with myself! It’s so good that I ate the entire bowl myself…and no, I didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty about it at all! The pistachios add a fantastic crunch and give the pesto a truly unique flavor. Plus, the green color makes it look so pretty. Yay for green! Thanks to Setton Farms, this dish was a total home run. Have you tried cooking using pistachio?
Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 oz. dry roasted pistachios with sea salt
- ½ cup fresh basil
- ¼ cup fresh mint
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice from ½ lemon
- Salt
- 10 ounces (283 g) fresh pasta
Instructions
- Fill a saucepan with water and salt generously. Bring to a boil.
- In the meantime, add all of the ingredients; except pasta and olive oil, to a food processor. Mix to combine. While the machine is running, stream in olive oil through the spout. Blend until creamy and fully combined. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions or drain when noodles are al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add pesto. Toss to coat. Add olive oil or pasta water if pesto needs more liquid.
- Serve warm with more parmesan cheese and parsley on top.
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
I have made pesto with pine nuts, walnuts and pecans, but never pistachios. Great idea! Love the addition of mint, too. Lucky you to still have some summer weather!!
Linda says
Thank you, Katie. It’s starting to feel like Fall now so I’m also trying to enjoy the tiny bits of Summer before it’s completely gone 😉
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
We love making homemade pesto! Great idea to use pistachios. We need to try this soon!
Linda says
Thank you, Jessica! I hope you like the pistachio pesto.
Rachel says
Yum! I never thought to add pistachio to pesto!
Linda says
Thank you, Rachel! It’s definitely a surprise for me too that pistachio complements pesto perfectly 🙂
Ashleigh says
Ohhh this pistachio pesto pasta recipe looks so wonderful! I’m kind of obsessed with pesto!!! I will have to try this dish soon. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Linda says
Thank you, Asleigh! I hope this recipe can satisfy your pesto cravings 😉
Heather Kinnaird says
this just made my stomach growl…seriously SO delicious
Linda says
Thank you, Heather!
Maria says
Ahhhh this pasta and pesto literally looks like the best!
Linda says
Thank you, Maria!
Ala says
hehe your Halloween story. So I’m outside in LA right now and it is completely dark and I am FREEZING. Silly me, thinking that only a cardigan would cut it in this unexpectedly cold weather! So sign me up for this warming pesto pasta, pleeeeease?
Linda says
Thanks, Ala. The weather in California is definitely unexpected. I hope you stay warm with a full stomach 🙂
Liz says
This pasta looks amazing!!! I’d be dousing my noodles in this amazing pesto!
Linda says
Thank you, Liz! I hope you like this dish as much as I do.
Lauren Gaskill says
This pesto is DIVINE! And the pasta … looks so good lady!
Linda says
Thank you, Lauren! I think pasta and pesto were made for each other 🙂
Alice @ hip foodie mom says
I love fresh pesto! Can’t wait to try this.
Linda says
Thank you, Alice! I hope you like it.
Kelly says
I am definitely wishing summer were still here so this is perfect! Love the fresh pesto!
Linda says
Thank you, Kelly! Summer is also one of my favorite seasons beside holiday season 😉
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
The pistachio flavor is awesome! Wish I had some of this now!
Linda says
Thank you, Megan! It’s indeed a hearty meal 🙂
Jae | Dreaming of Leaving says
I am seriously drooling looking at this amazing recipe and your food-tography is top notch 🙂 have a great day! xo
Linda says
Thank you, Jae! You made my day 🙂
Elle says
Delicious! Pistachio is the best!
Audrey says
This was really easy!
Toni says
This is such an amazing meal! I really couldn’t wait to make it again!