This creamy trofie pasta is a cozy dish featuring smooth pistachio pesto and rich burrata cheese. It’s wonderfully tasty and super satisfying!
I love how the creamy sauce coats each little twist of pasta perfectly. Just a sprinkle of extra pistachios on top, and you’re in for a treat! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Trofie Pasta: Trofie is a great choice for this creamy dish with its twisty shape. If you can’t find it, any short pasta like fusilli, gemelli, or elbow macaroni works well. Each will still catch that yummy sauce!
Pistachios: Unsalted pistachios are best for making the pesto. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be good substitutes for a similar texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt!
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is luxuriously creamy! If you can’t find it, a soft mozzarella or even ricotta can work, though the flavor and texture will be different. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best experience.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Alternatively, a dairy-free option like coconut cream might add an interesting flavor twist, but it’s best to taste as you go!
How Do I Make the Perfect Pistachio Pesto?
Making pistachio pesto is super easy, but a few tips can help you achieve a smooth texture. First, start with a food processor to combine the ingredients—this saves time and gives you that perfect consistency.
- Pulse the pistachios, basil, garlic, and cheese until fine.
- With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil slowly, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to brighten the flavors!
If the pesto is too thick, feel free to add a bit of warm water or more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. This will also help it mix better with the cream!
Creamy Trofie Pasta with Pistachio Pesto and Burrata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz trofie pasta (or substitute with another short, twisted pasta)
For the Pesto:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Serving:
- 1 ball burrata cheese (about 8 oz)
- Optional: extra chopped pistachios, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy trofie pasta takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that you can whip up quickly for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trofie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining to help with the sauce later!
2. Prepare the Pistachio Pesto:
While the pasta is cooking, grab your food processor. Add the shelled pistachios, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse everything together until finely chopped. Then, while the food processor is on, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep blending until it turns into a smooth, creamy pesto. Season it to taste with salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling fancy, a bit of lemon zest!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large pan over medium heat, warm up the heavy cream. Make sure it doesn’t boil! Once gently warmed, stir in the pistachio pesto you just made. Mix it all together until combined. If it feels too thick, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained trofie pasta directly into the pan with the creamy pistachio sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated in that gorgeous sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed!
5. Serve:
To serve, divide the creamy trofie pasta onto plates or bowls. Tear pieces of burrata cheese over the top, letting it melt slightly into the warm pasta. For a final touch, garnish with extra chopped pistachios for some crunch!
6. Enjoy immediately!
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, right when it’s made. The combination of nutty pesto, creamy burrata, and delicious pasta will make your taste buds sing! Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Creamy Trofie Pasta with Pistachio Pesto and Burrata
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Absolutely! While trofie is ideal due to its twisty shape, you can substitute it with any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
Can I Make the Pesto Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pistachio pesto a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and drizzle a little olive oil on top to help prevent browning. Just give it a quick stir before using it in the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This dish is already vegetarian, but if you’re looking for additional protein, consider adding some roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor without compromising the dish’s meatless appeal!
