Creamy 5 Ingredient Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Name: Creamy 5 Ingredient Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Prep time: PT10MIN
Cook time: PT10MIN
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Pasta
Ingredients: 12 oz dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne); 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios; 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed); 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water; Black pepper, to taste

Recipe By Rachel Anne |Updated 2025-11-18 |2 Comments

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Creamy 5 Ingredient Pistachio Pesto Pasta

PREP10 min

COOK10 min

Creamy 5 Ingredient Pistachio Pesto Pasta recipe: a luscious, quick weeknight meal with bold pistachio flavor and a silky sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!

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4SERVINGS

Ingredients

12 oz dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2
Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine pistachios, basil leaves, Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
3
With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil and 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water. Continue blending until the pesto is creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides. If needed, add more water for a silky texture.
4
Return drained pasta to the pot. Add all the pesto, tossing and adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until pasta is evenly coated and sauce is glossy and creamy.
5
Taste and season with more salt and black pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped pistachios.