Description
This Pistachio Pesto Pasta recipe offers a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. It features a creamy, green sauce made from crunchy pistachios, fresh basil, mint, garlic, nutritional yeast, and olive oil. A hint of lime and chili flakes adds brightness and a gentle kick. This plant-based dish is satisfying and feels indulgent, coming together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 320g pasta of choice (or gluten-free alternative)
- 70g shelled pistachios (unsalted)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 bunches fresh basil (leaves only)
- 1 generous handful fresh mint (leaves only)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 150ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta cooking water (a few tablespoons)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water.
- Make the pistachio pesto: In a food processor, combine pistachios, garlic, nutritional yeast, basil, mint, chili flakes, lime juice, olive oil, and about 1/2 teaspoon salt plus a generous pinch of black pepper. Process until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine pasta and pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Pour in the pistachio pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil or mint leaves, black pepper, or additional pistachios if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use unsalted pistachios to control salt levels.
- For a lighter sauce, use less olive oil and add more pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Variations: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, or steamed vegetables when tossing the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil or mint for a brighter presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 200 kcal (approx. per serving, excluding pasta)
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: ~20g (approx., excluding pasta)
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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