Indulge your taste buds with a vibrant twist on classic Italian cuisine—Sicilian Pasta with Creamy Pistachio Sauce! This luxurious dish combines the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pistachios with the silky smoothness of heavy cream, creating a sauce that's both decadent and delightful. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will impress your family and friends, making them wonder if you’ve just returned from a sun-soaked vacation in Sicily. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Sicilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 100g pistachios
- 200ml heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 400g of pasta, 100g of pistachios, and 200ml of heavy cream. Peel and finely chop 2 cloves of garlic. Set aside a pinch of salt for seasoning.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy pistachio sauce. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pistachios for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once toasted, transfer the pistachios to a food processor. Add the chopped garlic and blend until the mixture is finely ground. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more cream or a splash of pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot over low heat.
- Add the creamy pistachio sauce to the pasta, stirring well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Season with salt to taste.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle some additional crushed pistachios on top for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Sicilian Pasta with Creamy Pistachio Sauce!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta until al dente for the best texture. This not only enhances the dish but also allows it to hold up better when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Toasting Pistachios: Don’t skip the toasting step! It brings out the natural oils and intensifies the flavor of the pistachios, adding a delightful crunch to your sauce.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your creamy pistachio sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect creamy texture without compromising flavor.
- Garnishing: Fresh basil isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Consider also adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize this dish! You can incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition and color, or even a dash of chili flakes for a hint of spice.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Sicilian Pasta with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A glass of white wine would also complement the dish perfectly!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 885kcal
Carbohydrates: 87g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 52g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 110mg
