Sweet Treat: Decadent Pistachio Cream Sauce Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where culinary creativity meets flavor fusion! As an Israeli chef, I strive to bring you the best of Middle Eastern cuisine with a modern twist. Today, I’m excited to share my Pistachio Cream Sauce recipe with you.
Imagine taking in the aromatic scent of roasted pistachios and the smooth, velvety texture of cream sauce all in one dish. This decadent and bright pasta recipe will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Made from a creamy pistachio spread, this sauce is sure to impress anyone.
This Pasta al Pistacchio originates from Sicily and has been a favorite for generations. The use of fresh ingredients and nuts gives this recipe its richness and depth of flavor. Unlike other complicated pasta recipes out there, this recipe is easy to follow and can be made in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this pasta with pistachio cream sauce is an excellent choice. It’s also perfect for serving when hosting dinner parties or gatherings as it’s impressive yet easy on the palate.
So let’s get started on this heavenly pasta journey with my Pistachio Cream Sauce recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Look no further than my Pistachio Cream Sauce recipe. This sauce is not only decadent and rich, but it also has a bright and easy texture that will immediately make it one of your new favorite meals.
One of the best things about this recipe is the use of unsalted pistachios. These nuts add a unique crunchiness and an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. The creamy texture of the pistachio cream sauce is enhanced by the addition of heavy cream, which gives it a luxurious feel.
Beyond its unique taste and texture, my Pistachio Cream Sauce recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer traditional pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti, or novelty types like farfalle or bucatini, this sauce pairs perfectly with them all. Not to mention, it can be easily adapted for vegan diets by swapping out dairy ingredients for alternative options.
But don’t just take my word for it – give it a try! Your taste buds will thank you for the decadence and satisfaction that comes from every bite of this indulgent pasta dish.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you’ll need to create this luscious Pistachio Cream Sauce Recipe:
For the Pistachio Cream:
- 1/3 cup shelled unsalted pistachio nuts, plus more crushed for garnish
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces of farfalle (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small or medium-sized yellow onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced well
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
To Finish The Dish:
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
- A few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
You may also substitute some ingredients with other options available in your kitchen pantry. Check out the next section about substitutions and variations for ideas!
The Recipe How-To
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Sauce
First, I prepare the creamy pistachio sauce. I put 1/4 cup of shelled unsalted pistachio nuts in my food processor and pulse them until they are finely chopped. Then, I add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 3/4 cup of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the food processor with the nuts. I blend this mixture until it’s well-blended into a smooth and creamy pistachio sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
I cook 8 ounces of penne pasta (or any other pasta shape you might like) in boiling salted water for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, I drain it and reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Meanwhile, I sauté one medium-sized white or yellow onion (chopped) in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s softened and lightly browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Next, I add 2 cloves of minced garlic, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to the pan with the onion. I sauté this mixture for around 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
I add the cooked pasta to the pan with onion mixture and pour in the creamy pistachio sauce. Then, I add some reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen up the sauce and mix everything together over medium-high heat for about two minutes until all ingredients are coated lightly in sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When everything is ready, it’s time to plate up! Grate some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top of your pasta dish, sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios. Yellow onion or sprinkle Parmesan cheese can be used as an alternative at your preference ,and serve hot!
By simply following these easy steps, you’ll have yourself one decadent bright easy dish that’s sure to turn heads!
Substitutions and Variations
There is always room for some experimentation when it comes to cooking, and this recipe is no exception. Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Pasta: While I used farfalle (bow tie) pasta in this recipe, you could swap it out for just about any type of pasta you like. Penne, linguine, or spaghetti would work equally well.
– Nuts: I used unsalted pistachios in the recipe, but you could substitute them with almonds, walnuts, or cashews instead. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.
– Vegan: If you want to make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative. Coconut cream or almond milk would both work well.
– Spicier version: If you want to add some heat to the dish, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it cooks.
– Different cheeses: Instead of using parmigiano-reggiano cheese, try using pecorino romano or asiago instead. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile.
These are just a few ideas to get your creativity flowing – don’t be afraid to experiment and try out your own unique twists on this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Congrats! You’ve reached the fun and satisfying step of serving and pairing your creamy and decadent pistachio cream sauce with your favorite pasta. The creamy texture of this sauce pairs especially well with short pasta varieties, such as penne or fusilli, because they cling to the sauce nicely.
For a bright and easy – yet somewhat decadent – pasta recipe, I suggest Farfalle al Pistacchio. Cook 400g (14 ounces) of farfalle pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sautee one finely chopped white or yellow onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent. Add 3/4 cup of unsalted shelled pistachios to the onion for about 2 minutes. Then add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan and cover it with the pistachio cream sauce. Mix everything together, top it off with some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and voila! You’ve got yourself an amazing dish that is sure to impress.
Want to take it up a notch? Try making ravioli filled with ricotta and covered in pistachio cream sauce. Yum! Or how about pistachio crusted salmon served on top of spaghetti coated in this creamy pistachio spread?
This vegan pistachio-based pasta sauce is so versatile in terms of what you can pair it with, but believe me when I say that you can’t go wrong. This sauce is sure to elevate any dish you choose to put it on – so don’t hold back!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Pistachio Cream Sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated for future meals. Here are some tips to ensure your sauce always tastes fresh and delicious.
To make ahead:
Prepare the Pistachio Cream Sauce, as directed, and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat the sauce, transfer it to a saucepan and warm it up over low heat while stirring constantly.
To store:
Transfer any leftover Pistachio Cream Sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use the frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.
To reheat:
Reheating this Pistachio Cream Sauce is easy. First, transfer the sauce from the refrigerator or freezer to a saucepan. If you have frozen the sauce, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating. Heat the sauce on low heat while stirring frequently until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat or boil the cream since this can cause the texture of the sauce to change.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your leftover Pistachio Cream Sauce stays fresh and maintains its rich flavor and texture when reheated. So go ahead, make extra sauce knowing that you’ll be able to enjoy this decadent bright easy pasta recipe anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking for tips to make the perfect pistachio cream sauce, look no further! As an Israeli chef, I have some advice on how to create a pistachio cream sauce that is decadent, bright and easy to make. Here are some tips that will lead you to success:
1. Use fresh ingredients: The freshness of the ingredients you use has a great impact on the result of your recipe. Make sure your pistachio nuts are unsalted and fresh. Fresh herbs and vegetables will also add more flavour to the dish.
2. Toast the pistachios: Toasting nuts is always a good idea, especially when using them for a sauce. This deepens their flavor and gives an earthy complexity to the dish.
3. Don’t overprocess: When making the pistachio cream, avoid overprocessing the nuts in the food processor as it can turn out too pasty. You want a creamy texture that is not too thick nor too thin.
4. Work with different types of pasta: While farfalle (bow-tie pasta) or penne are common choices for a cream sauce recipe, trying it with bucatini or spaghetti could bring new delectable dimensions to the dish.
5. Adjust the seasoning: Adjusting seasoning is important when preparing your sauce; add salt and pepper to balance everything together, then taste and adjust as necessary.
6. Be creative with substitution options: Experiment with substitutions, such as vegan milk or cheese alternatives, if you wish for a dairy-free or lactose-free version of this pistachio cream sauce.
7. Pair it well: The pairing choices greatly affect how well-received it will be at any table setting; farfalle pistachio pairs well with salmon or grilled shrimp, while penne pasta with pistachio cream spread can be complemented by crispy bacon on top.
8. Serve hot!: Serve your pasta immediately after it has been finished cooking and mixed thoroughly with your creamy pistachio sauce.
These tips will ensure that your creamy pistachio risotto turns out perfect each time it’s made!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section. As with any recipe, it’s normal to have questions or concerns about the process or ingredients involved. In this section, I’ll address some common queries that may come up when attempting to make this Pistachio Cream Sauce Recipe.
What is pistachio sauce made of?
To prepare the pistachios for this recipe, start by giving them a quick rinse in cold water to get rid of any excess salt. Afterward, use a towel to dry them up. Next, grab a small skillet and melt a tablespoon of butter on it. Toss in the pistachios and sauté for approximately 2 minutes. Once done, transfer the pistachios into a food processor (or mince by hand) until they are finely minced. Combine the melted butter, garlic, oil, salt, and lemon juice, and keep mincing until everything is well-blended.
What can you use pistachio cream for?
There are various uses for pistachio cream that can add a flavorful touch to your desserts. You can combine it with pastry cream to create a delicious filling for Italian doughnuts or mix it with creamy ricotta cheese to fill cannoli shells. Another option is to blend it with mascarpone cheese to create a scrumptious cake filling. The possibilities are endless!
How do you eat pistachio cream spread?
This recipe ingredient has a versatile nature and can be used in various culinary applications. It can be utilized as a spread for both sweet and savory crepes, a topping for crostini, and as a flavoring agent in ice cream, mousses, and buttercreams. Additionally, it can serve as a filling for croissants and Danish pastries, chocolate confections, and fruit tarts with a frangipane filling. Furthermore, it can also be incorporated in gianduja fillings to enhance their unique taste.
Is pistachio cream sweet?
This dessert is undeniably sweet and boasts an exceptionally rich and indulgent flavor profile. The creaminess and delectable chocolate taste reminds me of a luscious hazelnut spread, yet with a buttery twist. Meanwhile, the pistachio cream is luxuriously thick, velvety and has a silky texture.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s no mistaking the fact that this Pistachio Cream Sauce Recipe is a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into something spectacular. The delicate flavors of the pistachios, combined with the creamy texture of the sauce, create an irresistible flavor profile that is hard to resist. This is a recipe that is easy to follow, takes very little time to prepare and is versatile enough to be paired with any pasta dish.
So, grab those unsalted pistachio nuts and start blending them into a luxurious pistachio cream sauce that you’ll be adding to your pasta dishes in no time. I can assure you – once you try it, there’s no going back. So whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this Pistachio Cream Sauce Recipe is sure to impress them all. Don’t hesitate, get cooking and savor this decadent and delicious treat!
Pistachio Cream Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted pistachio nuts, ground coarsely
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
- salt, to taste
- pepper
- crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat oil in medium sauté pan.
- Sauté Onions until Translucent (not caramelized).
- Add pistachios and enough olive oil to lightly coat.
- Cook for about a minute, the pistachios should not change color.
- Add cream until heated throughout.
- Remove from heat.
- Add seasonings to taste.
- Serve over pasta of choice.
- Top with grated cheese.