Best Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipes

PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
• While the pasta is cooking, make the pistachio pesto. Combine the pistachios, basil, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and juice and some salt and pepper in a food processor and process until well combined.
• Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta. Toss the pasta with the pistachio sauce, thinning with the pasta water for the desired consistency if necessary. Serve with more Parmesan and basil leaves.

ASPARAGUS AND PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
• To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
• Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

PISTACHIO PESTO WITH ANGEL HAIR PASTA

Steps:

• Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
• Heat a large saute pan. Place the Pistachio Pesto, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (more if needed) and olive oil in the pan. Toss to incorporate. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, gently fold into the Pistachio Pesto mixture, season with salt and pepper and divide among serving plates. Garnish with the Parmesan ribbons, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and sprinkle with pepper.
• In batches, place the basil leaves, oil, pistachios, Parmesan and garlic in a blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Place the Pistachio Pesto in a container. Cover the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

SCALLOPS AND PASTA WITH PISTACHIO-PARSLEY PESTO

Steps:

• Place first 9 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth, scraping down sides of processor bowl occasionally.
• Combine scallops, flour, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in large zip-lock plastic bag; seal, and shake to coat.
• Heat butter or margarine in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add scallops; cook 3-1/2 minutes on each side or until scallops are done.
• Combine pesto mixture and pasta in a large bowl, tossing well.
• Arrange 1 cup pasta on each plate, and divide the scallops evenly between plates.
• Sprinkle with pepper; garnish with parsley, if desired.

PASTA WITH PISTACHIO PESTO

Steps:

• Pulse 1 1/2 cups unsalted, shelled roasted natural pistachios, 1 cup chopped tomato, 2 garlic cloves, a handful of fresh mint leaves, a handful of grated Parmesan, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper in a food processor until a coarse purée forms. Transfer to a bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more) to form a thick, chunky sauce. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Toss 1 cup pesto with 1 pound freshly cooked pasta, adding pasta cooking liquid by the tablespoonful to form a glossy sauce. Chill remaining pesto to spread on sandwiches.

ANGEL HAIR PASTA W PISTACHIO PESTO

Steps:

• 1. For the pesto: Place the basil, pistachio's, parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor. Process while drizzling the olive oil in until all is incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• 2. For the pasta. Cook the angel hair pasta in salted boiling water. Place 1/4 cup pasta water into a skillet large enough for the pasta. Add the pesto and olive oil and mix well over med. low heat.
• 3. Drain the pasta and then add it to the pesto mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes and add the cheese and basil

ASPARAGUS AND PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
• To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
• Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.