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This pistachio pesto pasta is pure deliciousness in a bowl! The pasta is tossed until perfectly coated and comes out so creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. My Italian grandmother’s absolute favorite pesto was pistachio, and I’ve taken her recipe and given it a lighter twist to make it both wholesome and delicious.
It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly so easy to make. The secret is my homemade pistachio pesto, which comes together in minutes and takes this pasta to the next level. I can’t wait for you to try it, you’re going to fall in love with this pasta!
If you love pesto, also try our classic healthy pesto recipe, flavorful turkey pesto meatballs, refreshing chicken pesto pasta salad, and incredibly delicious peach pesto prosciutto pizza!
Why You Will Love Pasta With Pistachio Pesto
- Flavorful: This dish is bursting with the rich flavors of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Simple: It’s easy to make with just a handful of fresh ingredients.
- Quick: This pistachio pesto pasta is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients Needed
- Pasta: Cook your dried pasta of choice according to the package directions.
- Pistachio Pesto: Use store-bought pesto or our homemade pistachio pesto.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor to each bite!
- Pasta Water: Add a bit of pasta water to thin out the pistachio pesto to the perfect consistency.
- Parmesan: Top with grated parmesan cheese for a delicious burst of cheesy flavor!
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Pesto Options: Make our homemade pistachio pesto, classic healthy pesto, or use your favorite store-bought pesto.
- Pistachio Substitution: You can swap the pistachios for walnuts, or try our classic pesto recipe made with pine nuts. Walnuts work great in that recipe, too.
- Pasta to Use: Cook your favorite pasta shape, or use a pasta alternative such as Fiber Gourmet, Carba Nada, hearts of palm, chickpea pasta, gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or even spaghetti squash noodles. Check out our post on air fryer spaghetti squash for a quick option!
- Add Protein: To add a boost of protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pasta.
How To Make Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the pasta water.
Step 2: Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a heat-safe bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then drain and finely chop them.
Step 3: Make the pistachio pesto or use store-bought pesto if preferred.
Step 4: Add the pesto and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot you cooked the pasta in.
Thoroughly mix these ingredients.
Step 5: Toss the cooked, drained pasta with the pesto mixture.
Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the pesto to the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
We love to serve this pistachio pesto pasta alongside a fresh Caprese salad or a crisp Italian chopped salad for a flavorful pairing. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. Or, enjoy it with a side of roasted tomato soup, Italian turkey meatballs, crispy baked eggplant parmesan, or Crockpot marry me chicken. For extra cheesy flavor and a crunch, add a few Parmesan crisps on top! Or, for a fresh and juicy twist, stir in air-fried cherry tomatoes instead of adding sun-dried tomatoes.
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Save the Pasta Water: Add a splash of pasta water to thin out the pesto slightly for the perfect consistency that coats the pasta.
- Rehydrate the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For the best flavor and texture, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for a few minutes to rehydrate them, then drain and finely chop them.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving for an extra boost of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta until al dente so it holds up well once tossed with the pesto sauce.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover pistachio pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Pasta Works Best With Pistachio Pesto?
Any pasta you love works beautifully with pistachio pesto. Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle cling nicely to the sauce, while long noodles like spaghetti or linguine also pair well. Choose your favorite for this recipe!
Does Pistachio Pesto Taste Different Than Regular Pesto?
Yes, pistachio pesto has a unique flavor compared to traditional pesto. The pistachios add a subtle sweetness and a nutty depth that’s slightly different from the taste of pine nuts. If you prefer, you can always swap in your favorite pesto for this recipe.
More Pasta Recipes To Try!
- Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Linguine
- Healthy Mac and Cheese
- Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta
- 3/4 cup pistachio pesto
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, not in oil
- 2-3 tablespoons pasta water
- 1-2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining the pasta, reserve 2-3 tablespoons of pasta water and set it aside.
- Rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes: Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a heat-safe bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, then drain and finely chop them.
- Prepare the pesto: Make the pistachio pesto or use store-bought pesto if preferred.
- Combine: In the pot you cooked the pasta in, mix the pesto and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add the pasta: Toss the cooked, drained pasta with the pesto mixture. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the pesto to the perfect consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if desired, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Pesto Options: Make our homemade pistachio pesto, classic healthy pesto, or use your favorite store-bought pesto.
- Pistachio Substitution: You can swap the pistachios for walnuts, or try our classic pesto recipe made with pine nuts. Walnuts work great in that recipe, too.
- Pasta to Use: Cook your favorite pasta shape, or use a pasta alternative such as Fiber Gourmet, hearts of palm, chickpea pasta, gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or even spaghetti squash noodles.
- Save the Pasta Water: Add a splash of pasta water to thin out the pesto slightly for the perfect consistency that coats the pasta.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You’re going to love this Pistachio Pesto Pasta! The pistachios and fresh basil come together for the most delicious, nutty pesto that’s bright, fresh, and effortless to make.