Warm Pistachio and Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring a smooth pistachio pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, shelled pistachios, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse until a smooth pesto forms, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to burst and release juice, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomatoes and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss with the pistachio pesto until pasta is well coated and sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Warm Pistachio and Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Warm Pistachio and Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Warm Pistachio and Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Warm Pistachio and Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Warm Pistachio and Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the elegant twist on pasta! The pistachios gave a lovely nutty depth without overpowering, and the cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my usual pasta night. The herb blend was spot-on and the warm pistachio sauce clung perfectly to the noodles—my family kept asking for seconds!
- ★★★★★
The pistachios added such a wonderful crunch and the cherry tomatoes made it feel so fresh! Served with garlic bread for a perfect weeknight dinner.
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