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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Pistachio Asparagus Pesto on Penne

[heart_this] · Jul 9, 2009 · 37 Comments

Pistachio Asparagus Pesto on Penne

With asparagus season fading and summers produce starting to enter the farmers market I wanted to try a few of my favorites asparagus recipes. Top on my list was the asparagus pesto pasta . I had discovered a while ago that asparagus makes for a really nice pesto and I have been making it every year since. Pestos normally include a nut and I usually use pine nuts as they add a really nice creaminess to pestos. Recently I had been wondering about using pistachios in a pesto and I though that now was the perfect chance to try. This is one pretty green pesto with the asparagus, pistachios and even a bit of spinach. Of course the first thing that I thought to try the pesto on was a pasta and my choice of noodles was a whole wheat penne making for a nice light and fairly healthy Summer meal. The pistachio asparagus penne was a breeze to make and it tasted great! The pistachios worked really well in the asparagus pesto and I am looking forward to experimenting with using them in more pestos.

Pistachio Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Pistachio Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4
ingredients
  • 1 pound pasta (gluten free for gluten free)
  • 1 cup pistachio asparagus pesto (see below)
  • parmigiano reggiano to taste (grated, optional garnish)
  • asparagus tips (optional garnish)
  • pistachios (chopped, optional garnish)
directions
  1. Cook the pasta in well salted water as directed on the package.
  2. When the pasta is cooked to al dente drain the pasta water reserving some of it.
  3. Pour the pasta back into the still hot pan, add the pesto and enough of the pasta water to make a smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
  4. Serve garnished with parmigiano reggiano, the asparagus tips and some chopped pistachios.
Pistachio Asparagus Pesto

Pistachio Asparagus Pesto

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 1cup
ingredients
  • 1 cup asparagus (cleaned, trimmed, blanched and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup spinach (optional, helps keep the pesto nice and green)
  • 1 clove garlic (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios (toasted)
  • 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (grated)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • lemon juice to taste (optional)
  • salt to taste
directions
  1. Place everything into a food processor and blend.
Similar Recipes:
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Asparagus and Ramp Pesto Pasta
Asparagus and Baby Artichoke Quinoa Salad
Zucchini Pistou Pasta
Swiss Chard Pesto
Spinach Pesto
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Asparagus and Pistachio Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Asparagus Pesto

Take a look at the Presto Pasta Nights roundup on Erbe in Cucina.

6 Ingredients, Food, Gluten-free, Italian, Main Course, Pasta, Pesto, Recipe, Vegetarian

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jo says

    July 10, 2009 at 12:42 am

    Okay now you have captured two of my favourite ingredients…. pistashios and asparagus!!

    Great looking and sounding dish Kevin!!

    Reply
  2. MaryBeth says

    July 10, 2009 at 1:39 am

    WOW…fabulous looking dish Kevin, I would love to site down and enjoy this on a warm evening.

    Reply
  3. finsmom says

    July 10, 2009 at 3:33 am

    I love the use of pistachio here 🙂

    Reply
  4. Christie's Corner says

    July 10, 2009 at 4:09 am

    Just when I think I've seen every pesto variation, someone comes up with something new. This looks wonderful!

    Reply
  5. eatme_delicious says

    July 10, 2009 at 4:48 am

    Yummmmmm I see pesto and I'm already hooked! But your pesto creation looks especially delicious. I love that you used pistachios!

    Reply
  6. Nina Timm says

    July 10, 2009 at 4:56 am

    wonderful how you play with greens in your dish!!!! Awesome flavors!!!

    Reply
  7. Rosa's Yummy Yums says

    July 10, 2009 at 5:01 am

    A delicious combination! That pasta dish is mouthwatering…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  8. Arch says

    July 10, 2009 at 5:03 am

    Wonderful…never thought of pistachios for a pesto…super idea Kevin and great looking pic

    Reply
  9. Parita says

    July 10, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Thats so innovative kevin, m sure it would have tasted awesome with pistachios and asparagus!

    Reply
  10. Clumbsy Cookie says

    July 10, 2009 at 9:25 am

    I think I could eat that pesto by the spoonfull!

    Reply
  11. ♥Rosie♥ says

    July 10, 2009 at 9:32 am

    WOW Kevin I love your use of pistachios in pesto what a brilliant idea!! Great dish.

    Reply
  12. Graziana says

    July 10, 2009 at 9:39 am

    In Sicily pistachio pesto is a must… but I never tried it with asparagus! Thank you for sharing this with Presto pasta Nights

    Reply
  13. Christelle says

    July 10, 2009 at 10:47 am

    Another winner: asparagus and pasta! :))
    And have you tried asparagus, salmon, creme and pasta? I had that in a restaurant a while ago, it was gorgeous too 🙂

    Reply
  14. Jennifer says

    July 10, 2009 at 10:50 am

    These is such a great idea! How green too!!!

    Reply
  15. ♥peachkins♥ says

    July 10, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Sounds like the perfect dinner for me…

    Reply
  16. Ruth Daniels says

    July 10, 2009 at 11:19 am

    Wonderful combination – like so many other commenters…a fave combo of mine.

    Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.

    Reply
  17. Nicole Feliciano says

    July 10, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Yum. Asparagus is so good right now. I tried making Soft Shell Crabs while this week. I hope you'll share this on my recipe exchange. Here's my link for Friday's Feast.

    http://momtrends.blogspot.com/2009/07/friday-feasts-soft-shell-crab.html

    Reply
  18. Claudia says

    July 10, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    This is wonderful! I love using different nuts and greens in the pesto. And adore asparagus with pasta. It is singing to me.

    Reply
  19. Joanne says

    July 10, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Pistachio pesto has been on my radar for a long time. I am definitely whipping up a batch of this!

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    July 10, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    If somebody buys me a food processor I'll make it! It sounds perfect.

    Reply
  21. Sara @ Our Best Bites says

    July 10, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    What an interesting flavor combo, I think it sounds delish!

    Reply
  22. toni says

    July 10, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Love the variation on the theme! I wouldn't have thought to use pistachios, but now that you mention it….. why not??

    Reply
  23. Morta Di Fame says

    July 10, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    This looks fantastic! Really a great way to use asparagus…

    Reply
  24. Cookin' Canuck says

    July 10, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Another inventive, beautiful dish! Your recipes never cease to amaze me.

    Reply
  25. The Duo Dishes says

    July 10, 2009 at 8:16 pm

    Very rarely do we see 'stachios in savory dishes. Nice nice and nice!

    Reply
  26. Marjie says

    July 10, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    Nice pasta dish! You have proven once again that pasta is the best starting point for dinner.

    Reply
  27. Hillary says

    July 10, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    Kevin, this is so impressive! I'm always looking for new ways to make penne. I think I've found one! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Lisa says

    July 10, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    Yet another delightful asparagus recipe! Pistachios are probably my favorite nut too. Just wonderful.

    Reply
  29. Sippity Sup says

    July 10, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    You do these simple, lovely pastas so well. What's your secret? GREG

    Reply
  30. Anonymous says

    July 11, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    Looks Yummy! I make pistachio nut pesto too. I use parsley instead of spinach and add lemon zest as well. Next time I'm adding asparagus.

    diana

    Reply
  31. kitchenetta says

    July 12, 2009 at 1:59 am

    What a delicious looking combination.

    Reply
  32. Jacqueline says

    July 12, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    I like mixing up the nuts in pesto too Kevin. It does make quite a difference.

    This pesto looks particularly good. My hubby doesn't like asparagus, but I think it is all in his mind, so I may make this and see how he likes it. I will just say it is pesto of course until he tries it and gives me an unbiased opinion, then I will fill him in 🙂

    Reply
  33. ttfn300 says

    July 12, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    asparagus pesto? fabulous!

    Reply
  34. Eugene Sarang says

    July 12, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    I came across your blog yesterday and decided to try this recipe tonight and it was nice and simple and delicious! Lovely blog and lovely food, thanks for sharing (:

    Reply
  35. Raaga says

    July 15, 2009 at 11:20 am

    I can just imagine what this tastes like… 🙂
    You have a lovely blog.

    Reply
  36. The Hot Plate says

    August 13, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    what an imaginative and affordable way to make pesto1 I'll be sure to give it a try next time I'm whipping up a pasta dish.

    you should try using it as a condiment as well, bet it would be delish with under fried zucchini blossoms or under grilled halibut!

    Reply
  37. Betsy says

    May 20, 2010 at 11:02 pm

    I love your recipes! I scored many scapes at Farmers' Market here in No. Cal. yesterday, and am going to incorporate them into the asparagus-pistachio pesto somehow…had some last night in a stirfry and they are amazing!

    Reply

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