If you’re looking to elevate your pasta game, this Creamy Sicilian Pistachio Pasta is just the ticket. With its rich, nutty flavor and a hint of lemony freshness, this dish brings a unique twist to a classic Italian favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s a delightful blend of creamy and zesty that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Steps
- Boil a large pot of water, generously salt it, and cook the pasta until al dente as per the package instructions. Save some of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by heating olive oil in a large skillet and melting the butter in it. Sauté the onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until aromatic. Pour in the lemon juice, followed by the chopped pistachios and double cream.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the shredded fresh basil, then combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan and a handful of rocket salad, season to your liking, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 250 g (8.8 oz) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 20 g (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100 g (3.5 oz) pistachio kernels, chopped in a food processor + extra pistachios for garnish, chopped with a knife
- 200 ml (1 cup) double cream
- 6 basil leaves, roughly shredded
- 30 g (¼ cup) grated parmesan (or vegetarian hard cheese)
- A handful of rocket salad (arugula)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2172 | Total Fat: 164g | Saturated Fat: 68g | Trans Fat: 4g | Unsaturated Fat: 84g | Cholesterol: 296mg | Sodium: 1284mg | Carbohydrates: 132g | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 24g | Protein: 52g
FAQ
- What are the key ingredients needed for pistachio pasta sauce?
- To make pistachio pasta sauce, you’ll need raw pistachio kernels, pasta (like rigatoni), olive oil, butter, double cream, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Optional additions include rocket salad (arugula) or baby spinach.
- Can I substitute any of the ingredients for a lighter version?
- Yes, you can use single cream instead of double cream to reduce calories, though the sauce will be less creamy. Additionally, using only olive oil and skipping the butter can also lower the calorie content.
- What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
- Rigged pasta shapes such as rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well. However, penne, fusilli, and tagliatelle are also good options.
- Is there a vegetarian alternative to Parmesan cheese?
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, make sure the hard cheese you use is suitable for vegetarians, as traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is not vegetarian.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the pistachio pasta sauce?
- Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking enhances the flavor. Additionally, a drizzle of lemon juice or extra grated Parmesan can add brightness and richness to the dish.
Tips
- Toast raw pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their natural flavor, but avoid turning them into a fine powder to maintain some crunch in the sauce.
- Use rigged pasta like rigatoni to hold the creamy sauce better, but feel free to experiment with your preferred pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli.
- Combine olive oil with butter for a richer sauce, but if you prefer a lighter dish, using just olive oil can help cut down on calories.
- If you desire a vegetarian-friendly dish, ensure the hard cheese you select is suitable for vegetarians, as traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is not vegetarian-friendly.
