Pasta with pistachio pesto and sour cream

Pasta with Pistachio Pesto and Cream

Discover a savory, easy-to-make recipe, perfect for those moments when you're in a hurry but want to indulge in a delicious dish. This recipe for pasta with pistachio pesto and cream combines creamy textures with intense flavors, making every meal a true feast.

Total preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 400 g salted, shelled pistachios
- 400 g pasta (you can use farfalle, tagliatelle, or even homemade pasta)
- 250 ml cream (or to taste)
- Olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
- Salt, to taste

Recipe Story
Pasta with pesto is a traditional recipe, popular in many culinary cultures. This time, we decided to add a special twist by using pistachios, a nutrient-rich ingredient that adds a crunchy note and a distinctive flavor. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a delicious and quick sauce, ideal for a time-poor dinner yet rich in taste.

Preparing the Pistachio Pesto
1. Grinding the Pistachios: Start by placing 350 g of pistachios in a blender or food processor. Blend for a few seconds until fine, resembling flour. This will be your base for the pesto.

2. Making the Pesto: Gradually add olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until you achieve a thick, smooth paste. You can adjust the amount of oil according to your preferences; a thinner pesto is ideal if you prefer a finer texture.

3. Crunchy Texture: In a separate bowl, grind 50 g of pistachios coarsely. This will be used for the final garnish and will add a crunchy texture to your dish.

Preparing the Pasta
4. Boiling the Pasta: Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water starts boiling, add salt (about 1-2 tablespoons, depending on your taste) and then the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

5. Preparing the Sauce: In a pan, add the cream. Over low heat, incorporate the pistachio pesto. Mix well and let the sauce heat up, but do not boil it.

6. Mixing the Pasta with the Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan. Mix everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy pesto sauce.

Serving
7. Garnishing: Serve the pasta in deep plates, sprinkling the coarsely ground pistachios on top. A great idea is to add a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for extra flavor and an attractive appearance.

8. Serving Suggestions: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Practical Tips and Variations
- Fresh vs. salted pistachios: If you prefer a milder taste, you can use fresh pistachios (raw and unsalted). In this case, you'll need to adjust the salt amount in the recipe.
- Additional flavors: You can add a few drops of lemon juice to the pesto for an extra acidity that balances the rich taste of the sauce.
- Storing the Pesto: If you have leftover pesto, you can keep the remaining mixture in an airtight jar in the fridge. It can be used in various salads or as a spread for bread.

Nutritional Benefits
Pistachios are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, being beneficial for heart health. Additionally, this pesto provides an intake of antioxidants and vitamins, thus contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or cashews to create various variations of the recipe.
- How can I make the sauce spicier? Add a pinch of chili powder or chili flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.
- What type of pasta is best? You can experiment with any type of pasta you prefer. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are excellent for a healthier option.

Now that you know all the details about this captivating recipe, all that’s left is to get cooking! These pasta with pistachio pesto and cream are not only quick but also extremely delicious, guaranteeing you culinary success among your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!