Best Easy Caserecce con Pesto di Pistacchio Recipe

Twisted Sicilian pasta in a creamy pistachio pesto from Bronte. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is fresh, rich in healthy fats, and makes a uniquely delicious family meal.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 510 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Caserecce pasta 12 oz
  • Pistachios (unsalted, shelled) 0.75 cup
  • Fresh basil leaves 0.5 cup
  • Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
  • Extra virgin olive oil 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • Fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 65 g 51%
Protein 15 g 12%
Fat 22 g 37%
Serving size 240g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the caserecce pasta. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente—about 10–12 minutes.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, prepare the pistachio pesto: blend pistachios, basil, garlic, parmesan, and lemon juice in a food processor. Add olive oil slowly while pulsing for a creamy, smooth texture.

  3. 3

    Taste the pesto and season with salt and black pepper, adjusting as needed. Stop blending as soon as texture shifts from chunky to creamy.

  4. 4

    Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Toss drained pasta immediately with the pesto in a large bowl, adding reserved water little by little for glossy, emulsified sauce.

  5. 5

    Serve immediately, garnishing each plate with extra parmesan and chopped pistachios if desired. Eat warm to enjoy peak flavor and texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The standout ingredient is the pistachio, particularly those from Bronte, which create the creamy, rich pesto. Their nutty flavor, paired with basil and olive oil, gives this Caserecce dish its signature Sicilian charm.
Q. How do I achieve the perfect creamy pesto texture?
A high-speed food processor is best. Pour olive oil slowly while blending and stop as soon as the pesto turns from chunky to creamy; blending too long can make it oily. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency just before tossing with pasta.
Q. How can I prevent my pasta from getting mushy or sticky?
Cook the caserecce just until al dente and stir occasionally. Add the pesto while the pasta is hot, using a little reserved pasta water for texture—this prevents stickiness and keeps the dish glossy and soft.
Q. What nutrition profile does this recipe offer per serving?
Each serving provides around 510 kcal, with 65g carbs (51%), 15g protein (12%), and 22g fat (37%). It balances healthy fats from pistachios and olive oil with moderate protein and carbohydrate content, fitting vegetarian and Mediterranean diets.
Q. Are there any tags that fit this recipe's nutrition and composition?
Yes! This recipe is tagged vegetarian, mediterranean, and high protein, based on its plant-based ingredients, olive oil, pistachios, and cheese, plus its nutrition content above 15g protein per serving.
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