Pasta with Pistachio Cream

Name: Pasta with Pistachio Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g pasta of your choice; 100g shelled pistachios; 100ml heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Planning

When I first paired pasta with a creamy pistachio sauce, I was surprised by how delightful the combination was. The nuttiness of the pistachios complemented the pasta perfectly, creating a dish that felt both indulgent and comforting. Over the years, I've refined my method, ensuring that the sauce retains its vibrant color and rich flavor. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to impress friends or family with something unique yet simple. Trust me, this creamy delight will leave everyone wanting more!

Created by

Violet Kingsley

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:33:34.611Z

After stumbling upon a recipe for pistachio cream in a cooking magazine, I decided to give it a try. What surprised me the most was the incredible depth of flavor that comes from simply blending the nuts with a few other ingredients. The method really highlights the unique taste of the pistachios, and I found that swirling it through freshly cooked pasta brings it to life.

The best tip I can share is to toast the pistachios just for a couple of minutes before blending. This small step really enhances the flavor profile of the cream and transforms an ordinary dish into something spectacular that you’ll want to serve again and again!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A unique twist on traditional pasta dishes
Smooth, creamy texture that feels indulgent
Easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion

      

Mastering the Pistachio Cream

Achieving the perfect texture for your pistachio cream is key to this dish. When blending the mixture, start on a low speed to finely chop the pistachios before gradually increasing to high speed. This helps emulsify the ingredients thoroughly, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency. If the cream seems too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture, ensuring it remains luxurious and rich without being watery.

To enhance the flavor of your pistachio cream, consider toasting your shelled pistachios before blending. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, just until fragrant and slightly golden. This step draws out their natural oils and adds a deeper nuttiness that will elevate your dish.

Choosing the Right Pasta

The type of pasta you choose can significantly affect the overall experience of this dish. For a cream sauce like the pistachio cream, I recommend using shapes that hold sauce well, such as fettuccine or penne. This will ensure that every bite is evenly coated. If you're gluten-sensitive, feel free to substitute with gluten-free pasta; just remember to check the cooking time as it may vary.

Consider cooking your pasta in generously salted water; this is the only opportunity to season the pasta itself. Ideally, you want it to taste like the sea. This simple step ensures that your overall dish has a solid foundation of flavor, balancing beautifully with the richness of the pistachio cream.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an elegant presentation, serve your pasta with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios on top. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the texture, providing a delightful crunch to contrast with the creaminess. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish, adding a savory note that complements the pistachios.

You can also experiment with variations based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, adding sautéed mushrooms or steamed asparagus can incorporate more vegetables and make the dish even heartier. If you love spice, consider including a pinch of red pepper flakes in the pistachio cream to give it an unexpected kick.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful pasta dish:

Ingredients

300g pasta of your choice
100g shelled pistachios
100ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your pasta dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Prepare the Pistachio Cream

In a food processor, combine the toasted pistachios, heavy cream, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

In the pot used for the pasta, combine the drained pasta with the pistachio cream. Toss well to coat and heat through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy pasta dish!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use high-quality pistachios, and adjust the cream to your desired consistency. Don’t skip toasting the nuts
it really enhances the flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

The pistachio cream can be made ahead of time, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the cream up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Cooked pasta can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To keep it from clumping, toss it lightly in a bit of olive oil before refrigerating. When reheating, do so in boiling water or a microwave with a splash of water to steam it back to its original texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pistachio cream separates or appears greasy after blending, it might be that the oil content is too high. To remedy this, you can add a little more cream or pasta water while blending to re-emulsify it. A few seconds of blending on high should bring it back together smoothly.

In case the sauce turns out too thick, don't hesitate to adjust it with more pasta water or cream. Start with a tablespoon at a time, ensuring you mix it in thoroughly before adding more. This step is crucial to obtaining that velvety texture that makes this dish unique.

Scaling and Serving Portions

This recipe serves about 4 people, but it's easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot for cooking the pasta. Be sure to blend the pistachio cream in batches if you are making a significant amount, or opt for a high-capacity food processor to ensure smooth consistency throughout.

If you're planning a more intimate meal, feel free to halve the recipe. Leftover cream can be used with other types of grains like quinoa or rice, allowing you to enjoy it in various ways. Just consider the flavor profiles to ensure everything works harmoniously.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based pasta.

→ What other nuts can I use if I don’t have pistachios?

Walnuts or cashews would work well, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.

→ Can I freeze the pistachio cream?

Yes, you can freeze the cream, but it may change in texture after thawing. Blend again before use.