1. Can I use salted pistachios for this pesto?

It’s best to use unsalted roasted pistachios . Salted varieties can make the pesto overly briny, especially when combined with Parmesan. If salted nuts are your only option, rinse them briefly under warm water and pat dry before blending.

2. What pasta shapes work best with pistachio pesto?

Pistachio pesto pasta works beautifully with almost any shape. Casarecce, fusilli, or rigatoni capture the sauce in their curves, while spaghetti and linguine give a classic, elegant texture. For pasta salads, short pasta shapes like penne are ideal.

3. How long does homemade pistachio pesto last?

Stored in an airtight jar and topped with a thin layer of olive oil, homemade pistachio pesto lasts 7–10 days in the fridge . For longer storage, freeze in small portions (like ice cube trays) for up to 3 months .

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan hard cheese alternative. The result is just as creamy and flavorful — with a slightly nuttier taste.

5. Why is my pesto turning brown in the fridge?

Pesto oxidizes when exposed to air, which causes browning. To prevent this, cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil or press plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing.

6. Can I freeze pistachio pesto pasta?

Yes. For best results, freeze the pesto sauce separately and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. If you must freeze the mixed pasta, reheat gently in a pan with a bit of water and olive oil to restore creaminess.

7. Can I make pistachio pesto without a blender?

Absolutely. The traditional method uses a pestle and mortar . Start by crushing garlic and salt, then gradually add basil, pistachios, and cheese, pounding until a coarse paste forms. Slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify the sauce.

Pistachio Pesto Pasta – Authentic Sicilian Recipe with Creamy Pistachio Sauce

Name: Pistachio Pesto Pasta (Authentic Sicilian Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 100 g shelled pistachios, roasted & unsalted; 100 g fresh basil leaves; 1 garlic clove (optional); 1 lemon, zest & juice; 70 g Parmesan or Pecorino, grated; 200 ml olive oil (mild, fruity); 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper; Salt to taste; 200 g pasta (spaghetti, casarecce, or penne); Optional: ricotta, burrata, or mozzarella for serving

Pistachio Pesto Pasta (Authentic Sicilian Recipe)

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Creamy, nutty Sicilian pistachio pesto pasta made with roasted pistachios, basil, lemon, and Parmesan. Ready in 20 minutes and restaurant-level delicious.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dog Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

100 g shelled pistachios, roasted & unsalted

100 g fresh basil leaves

1 garlic clove (optional)

1 lemon, zest & juice

70 g Parmesan or Pecorino, grated

200 ml olive oil (mild, fruity)

1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

200 g pasta (spaghetti, casarecce, or penne)

Optional: ricotta, burrata, or mozzarella for serving

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Instructions

1. Toast pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat 5–7 minutes until fragrant; cool slightly.

2. Blend pistachios, basil, garlic, lemon zest & juice, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth with slight texture.

3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

4. Toss hot pasta with 3–4 tbsp pesto and a splash of pasta water over low heat until creamy; adjust with more water/pesto as needed.

5. Serve with extra Parmesan and a spoon of ricotta or burrata if desired.

Notes

Use unsalted roasted pistachios; avoid heavily salted nuts.

Add pasta water gradually to emulsify and get a silky sauce.

Store pesto in a jar topped with a thin oil layer for 7–10 days, or freeze in cubes up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 80g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/pistachio-pesto-pasta/