Creamy 5 Ingredient Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Pistachio Pesto Pasta is proof that sometimes, less is more. I just recently tried this dish at a charming Italian spot in the West Village called Travelers, Poets, and Friends. Chef Riccardo not only shared the story behind this recipe—originally made by the founder Emanuele’s mom—but also revealed that it’s a favorite among their customers. After tasting it, I could immediately see why. This dish captures everything I love about Italian food—simplicity, bold flavors, and the ability to create something incredible with just a handful of ingredients.

Tips for Success

1️⃣ Choose Quality Pistachios: Dry roasted pistachios work best for this pesto, offering a nutty depth and vibrant green hue.

2️⃣ Pulse, Don’t Purée: Keep some texture in the pesto by pulsing the ingredients instead of blending them into a smooth paste. This adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

3️⃣ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it one minute under al dente, as it will finish cooking in the skillet with the pesto.

4️⃣ Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is the secret to emulsifying the pesto into a creamy sauce.

5️⃣ Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil imparts a fruity, peppery flavor that elevates the dish.

Dairy-Free Bonus

This Pistachio Pesto Pasta is naturally dairy-free, with the only exception being the optional Parmigiano garnish. By simply omitting the cheese, you’ll have a completely plant-based meal. The richness of the pistachios and the high-quality extra virgin olive oil create a creamy texture that doesn’t rely on dairy at all. Perfect for anyone looking for a lighter, dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor!

Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dry roasted pistachios
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Small pinch of salt
• 1/2 lb pasta of your choice
• Reserved pasta water
• Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish (optional, omit for dairy-free)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Pistachio Pesto

1. Add pistachios, lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, and salt to a blender or food processor.
2. Pulse the mixture 5-10 times, just until combined, leaving some texture in the nuts.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta 1 minute under al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Pesto

1. Heat the pesto in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine and emulsify the sauce, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the pasta and garnish generously with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired, or serve as is for a dairy-free option. Serve immediately.

Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Discover the magic of Pistachio Pesto Pasta, a simple and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with roasted pistachios, fresh garlic, olive oil, and Parmigiano. Dairy-free minus the optional garnish!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3 people

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup dry roasted pistachios
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic grated
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Small pinch of salt
• 1/2 lb pasta of your choice
• Reserved pasta water
• Parmigiano-Reggiano for garnish (optional, omit for dairy-free)

Instructions

 

• Add pistachios, lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, and salt to a blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture 5-10 times, just until combined, leaving some texture in the nuts.
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1 minute under al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Heat the pesto in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine and emulsify the sauce, cooking for an additional minute.
• Plate the pasta and garnish generously with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired, or serve as is for a dairy-free option. Serve immediately.

Keyword 30 min meal, easy meal, pesto, pistachio

What to Serve with Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and seared salmon or chicken for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, also complements the flavors beautifully.

Tried This Recipe? Share Your Feedback!

I’d love to see how your Pistachio Pesto Pasta turned out! Tag me @flavorsbyalessandra on Instagram, and don’t forget to leave a comment below. Buon appetito! 🌿🍝