Best Basil Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe (Super Easy!)

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Best Basil Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe (Super Easy!)– celebrates the flavors of Italy while highlighting the vibrant, nutty essence of the homemade pistachio pesto. It’s a great recipe everyone loves. Buon appetito!

This recipe is a wonderful twist on my classic pesto recipe and arugula pesto.

up close photo of best pistachio pesto pasta. Extra cheese on top.
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Best Pistachio Pesto Pasta

This will be one of your favorite pasta recipes to make! The unique flavor of the pistachio nuts makes the most flavorful sauce.

  • Vibrant flavors: Combining fresh basil, toasted pistachios, garlic, and aged cheeses creates a pesto sauce bursting with rich, vibrant flavors. Each bite celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine.
  • Nutty and aromatic pesto: The shelled pistachios add a delightful nuttiness and aroma, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness. It brings a unique twist to traditional pesto recipes.
  • Simplicity meets sophistication: While the recipe is simple and easy to make, it exudes sophistication and elegance. It’s a perfect balance of rustic charm and refined taste, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
  • Authentic Italian experience: This recipe offers a genuine taste of Italy right in your own kitchen, using high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques. With every bite, you’ll be taking a culinary journey to the heart of Italy.
platted bowl of pasta with cheese. The bowl is white and in blue is written the Italian phrase- "Mangia, Prega, Ama".

There’s something deeply satisfying and comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta tossed in flavorful pesto sauce. It’s a classic comfort food that never fails to please the palate and warm the soul.

Simple Ingredients

These fresh ingredients come together to create a flavorful and authentic Italian basil pistachio pesto pasta dish that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine.

ingredients for recipe
  • Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and serves as the base for this flavorful dish.

Use my Pistachio Basil Recipe

  • Shelled pistachios: Pistachio nuts add a delightful nutty flavor and a unique texture to the pesto. They’re a key ingredient in the pesto sauce and enrich the dish.
  • Garlic: Garlic cloves contribute a pungent and aromatic flavor to the pesto. When combined with other ingredients, garlic enhances the overall taste of the pasta dish.
  • Fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves impart a fresh, herbaceous aroma and flavor to the pesto. Basil is a quintessential ingredient in Italian cuisine and adds brightness to the dish.
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (parmesan cheese): This high-quality, aged Italian cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor to the pesto. It’s finely grated and mixed into the sauce, providing depth of flavor and richness.
  • Pecorino Romano cheese: Another traditional Italian cheese, Pecorino Romano, is salty and tangy, adding complexity to the pesto. It’s grated and blended with other ingredients to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in Italian cooking and serves as the base of the pesto sauce. It adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce, binding all the ingredients together.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Salt enhances the flavors of the dish, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle hint of heat and depth. Adjust the seasoning to taste to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Homemade pesto is the best and only takes a few minutes to make in the food processor or blender. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to make the best pistachio pesto (step-by-step): add all the ingredients to a blender and pulse until well combined.

The basil pesto is so easy to make. I usually make a double batch and freeze some!

How to make the best pistachio pesto (step-by-step): blended pesto in the blender.

Blend the ingredients.

how to make best pistachio pesto pasta- strained pasta ready to toss with the pesto.

Cook your pasta al dente! It makes all the difference.

how to make best pistachio pesto pasta- toss pasta with the pesto.

Save a little bit of that pasta water!

how to make best pistachio pesto pasta- strained pasta ready to toss with the pesto. Add a little pasta water to the sauce.

Tossing the pasta while it is still hot creates a smooth and creamy sauce without adding any cream!

how to make best pistachio pesto pasta- toss pasta and add parmigiano cheese.

With its vibrant green pesto sauce, sprinkling of grated cheese, and garnish of chopped pistachios, this homemade pistachio pesto not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on the plate. It’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Substitutions

  • Pasta: You can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or farfalle. Choose a shape that holds the pesto well.
  • Nuts: Instead of pistachios in the pesto, you can use other nuts such as pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Toast them before blending to enhance their flavor.
  • Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, you can substitute them with Grana Padano, Asiago, or another hard Italian cheese. For a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to the pesto.
platted bowl of pasta with cheese. The bowl is white and in blue is written the Italian phrase- "Mangia, Prega, Ama".

Variations

  • Roasted red pepper and almond pesto: Roast red bell peppers until charred, then blend them with toasted almonds, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a vibrant red pesto. Toss the pasta with this roasted red pepper pesto, then top with burrata and a sprinkle of chopped almonds for a delicious twist.
  • Spinach and walnut pesto: To create a nutritious and flavorful pesto variation, replace basil with spinach leaves and pine nuts with walnuts. Toss the pasta with this spinach walnut pesto. Add a little lemon zest and fresh lemon juice for a pop of freshness.
  • Arugula and pistachio pesto: To create a peppery and nutty pesto variation, use arugula instead of basil and pistachios instead of pine nuts. Toss the pasta with this arugula pistachio pesto, then add roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
  • Creamy Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream while tossing the pasta in the pan.
platted bowl of pasta with burrata cheese crushed pistachios on the top. The bowl is white and in blue is written the Italian phrase- "Mangia, Prega, Ama".

Optional Toppings for Pesto Pasta

  • Cherry tomatoes: Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and sweetness to the pesto pasta. They also provide a pop of color and texture, making the dish more visually appealing.
  • Toasted pine nuts: Toasted pine nuts have a delicate nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy pesto sauce. Scatter them over the pasta for added depth and richness.
  • Burrata cheese: Adding burrata to pesto pasta adds a luxurious and indulgent touch to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special.
  • Grilled or roasted vegetables: Add some depth and complexity to your pesto pasta by topping it with grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The smoky flavors of the vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.
  • Shaved Parmesan curls: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of Parmesan cheese and scatter them over the pesto pasta for an elegant and sophisticated presentation. The Parmesan curls add a touch of luxury to the dish.

Equipment

How to Store Pesto Pasta

Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container or cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. See this post for tips on storing homemade pesto.

platted bowl of pasta with burrata cheese crushed pistachios on the top. The bowl is white and in blue is written the Italian phrase- "Mangia, Prega, Ama". N;ue and white napkin and fork in plate.

My Pro Tip

Recipe Tips

  • Use high-quality, authentic Italian ingredients, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses and extra virgin olive oil from Italy.
  • For the perfect texture, cook the pasta al dente, as is traditional in Italian cuisine.
  • Toss the pasta with the pesto before serving to ensure fresh and vibrant flavors.
  • Garnish with additional cheese and chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make pesto pasta vegan?

Yes, you can make vegan pesto pasta by using a dairy-free pesto made with ingredients like nutritional yeast, nuts, or tofu. You can also omit the cheese from the pesto sauce for a vegan-friendly option.

what nuts are good in pesto pasta

Pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are all excellent choices for adding a nutty flavor and texture to pesto pasta.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

What to Serve with Pistachio Pesto Pasta

These are my favorite dishes to serve with :

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cover photo. Best pistachio pesto.

Best Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

Best Basil Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe (Super Easy!)– celebrates the flavors of Italy while highlighting the vibrant, nutty essence of the homemade pistachio pesto. Buon appetito!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne)

Basil Pistachio Pesto

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, more for serving
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the pesto: Combine the shelled pistachios, garlic cloves, and basil leaves in a food processor or blender. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  3. Add the cheeses and olive oil: Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses to the food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine the pesto and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly prepared pistachio pesto until well coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out and help it adhere to the pasta.
  5. Serve: Divide the pesto-coated pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios (or the suggestions in the notes), if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy your authentic Italian basil pistachio pesto pasta!

Notes

Optional toppings:

Cherry tomatoes: Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and sweetness to the pesto pasta. They also provide a pop of color and texture, making the dish more visually appealing.

Burrata cheese: Adding burrata to pesto pasta adds a luxurious and indulgent touch to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special.

Grilled or roasted vegetables: Add some depth and complexity to your pesto pasta by topping it with grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The smoky flavors of the vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.

Shaved Parmesan curls: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of Parmesan cheese and scatter them over the pesto pasta for an elegant and sophisticated presentation. The Parmesan curls add a touch of luxury to the dish. 

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Savory
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: Italian

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About Elena

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

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