Home

Pasta with Celery Pesto

17/11/2023

I can propose a recipe for pasta with a celery pesto that will bring freshness and a touch of originality to your dish. Celery is an underrated ingredient when it comes to making pesto, but it can offer a delicate and slightly spicy flavor.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, fusilli work well)
  • 1 bunch of celery (about 5 or 6 stalks)
  • 30 g of pine nuts (or almonds if you prefer)
  • 1 garlic clove (optional)
  • 40 g of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • A few basil leaves (to give a more traditional touch to the pesto)
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean and wash the celery stalks thoroughly. Chop them into small pieces.
  2. Toast the pine nuts (or almonds) lightly in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden, being careful not to burn them.
  3. In a blender, combine the celery, toasted pine nuts, basil, garlic (if using), grated cheese, a pinch of salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  4. Blend everything together, gradually adding extra virgin olive oil until you reach a smooth cream and the desired consistency – add the oil gradually to control the thickness of the pesto.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water, following the package instructions to achieve al dente texture.
  7. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
  8. Pour the pasta into a large bowl, add the celery pesto and mix well, adding a bit of the reserved cooking water if necessary to make the sauce creamier and to help it bind better with the pasta.
  9. Serve the pasta and if you like, garnish with some fresh basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Curiosity

Celery has historically been used in Italy primarily in broths and sautés, but its use in pesto is a modern and creative variation. Remember that celery has a high water content, so the pesto might turn out a bit more liquid than usual.

Here is a recipe to reinvent pasta with pesto in a different and surprising way! Enjoy your meal!