Penne con Pesto di Pistacchi

Penne con Pesto di Pistacchi is a vibrant and nutty pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of pistachios with fresh basil for a delightful twist on traditional pesto. This healthy Italian meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta - 150 grams
• Pistachios (unsalted) - 50 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 30 grams
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 50 ml
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams (for garnish)

Steps

1. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the pistachios, basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pulse the mixture until coarsely chopped, then gradually add the olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne with the pistachio pesto. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Pistachios are high in healthy fats and protein, promoting heart health and satiety.
• Fresh basil provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health.

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