Pasta with Pistachio Pesto and Salmon

I can guide you in preparing a dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with a touch of refined simplicity: pasta with pistachio pesto and salmon. Here is the recipe for you.

Ingredients

• 320 g of pasta (penne or spaghetti work well)
• 200 g of smoked salmon
• 100 g of unsalted pistachios
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh parsley to taste
• 150 ml of heavy cream
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by toasting the pistachios in a pan without adding oil until they become slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool down.
2. Once cooled, place the pistachios in a blender, adding the extra virgin olive oil in a stream, the garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and the Parmesan. Blend until you obtain a creamy consistency, but with some pistachio chunks to add crunchiness. If necessary, add more oil to reach the desired consistency.
3. Cut the smoked salmon into strips.
4. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water according to the package instructions to achieve an al dente texture.
5. In the meantime, warm the cream slightly in a large pan and add the previously prepared pistachio pesto to blend it with the cream.
6. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the pan with the pistachio pesto and cream. Turn on the heat and toss everything together for a couple of minutes.
7. Add the smoked salmon and gently mix.
8. Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of black pepper and chopped fresh parsley.

Curiosity

Pistachio pesto is a Sicilian variant of the more well-known Genovese pesto. In the Sicilian region, Bronte pistachios are famous for their quality and are often used in various culinary preparations, sweetening, and enhancing dishes with their unique flavor.

Enjoy your meal! If you need further advice or have variations in mind, do not hesitate to ask.