Pistachio Pesto

This pistachio pesto is bright, nutty, and creamy with a smooth texture that clings beautifully to pasta. It’s made with sweet basil, pistachios, olive oil, a blend of parmigiano reggiano and pecorino, and a touch of lemon zest for freshness.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: pesto

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 613kcal

Author: Lola Jay

Equipment

1 Food Processor

Ingredients

4 cups packed basil
⅓ cup shelled pistachios
2 small cloves of garlic
¼ cup of grated parmigiano reggiano
¼ cup of grated pecorino cheese
½ tablespoon lemon zest
Ice cube
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup of olive oil
Penne Pasta
1.5 cups reserved pasta water

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Instructions

Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta (or pasta of choice) and cook until al dente, following package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Set pasta and pasta water aside.

Grate the cheeses

While the pasta cooks, grate ¼ cup of parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of pecorino cheese and set aside.

Blend the pesto

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine 4 packed cups of fresh basil, ⅓ cup shelled pistachios, 2 small garlic cloves, ¼ cup grated parmesan, ¼ cup grated pecorino, Salt and black pepper to taste, ½ tablespoon lemon zest, ice cube,
Blend for 30–60 seconds until roughly combined and the texture starts to smooth.
While the food processor is still running, slowly drizzle in the ½ cup of olive oil. Blend to your desired consistency. I like mine with a little body.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the pesto to the cooked pasta. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency and fully coats the pasta. You may not need the full cup.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon zest as needed. Garnish with a little more grated parmesan or chopped pistachios, and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Nutrition values are an estimate

Nutrition