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paccheri with mushrooms and pistachios

paccheri with mushrooms and pistachios

Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked paccheri, where golden mushrooms and crunchy pistachios dance together in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This extraordinary pasta dish isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary gastronomic journey. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 400g paccheri pasta
  2. 250g mushrooms, sliced
  3. 100g pistachios, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 50ml olive oil
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms into thin, even pieces. Roughly chop the pistachios and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. While mushrooms are cooking, add paccheri pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 12-14 minutes, until al dente.
  6. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the paccheri. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
  7. Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with mushrooms. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
  8. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the pasta, reserving some for garnish. Stir to distribute evenly and toast the nuts slightly.
  9. Plate the paccheri, garnish with remaining pistachios, and offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table.

Tips

  1. Choose high-quality ingredients: The key to an exceptional dish lies in using fresh, premium mushrooms and crunchy, flavorful pistachios.
  2. Salt your pasta water generously: The water should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
  3. Don't rush the mushroom cooking process: Allow them to release their moisture and develop a beautiful golden-brown color for maximum flavor.
  4. Reserve pasta water is crucial: The starchy water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the paccheri.
  5. Toast the pistachios briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
  6. Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, with freshly grated Parmesan on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 620kcal

Carbohydrates: 75g

Protein: 22g

Fat: 32g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol: 10mg

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