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
- 400g paccheri pasta
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 100g pistachios, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms into thin, even pieces. Roughly chop the pistachios and mince the garlic cloves.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- While mushrooms are cooking, add paccheri pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 12-14 minutes, until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the paccheri. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
- 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.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the pasta, reserving some for garnish. Stir to distribute evenly and toast the nuts slightly.
- Plate the paccheri, garnish with remaining pistachios, and offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: The key to an exceptional dish lies in using fresh, premium mushrooms and crunchy, flavorful pistachios.
- Salt your pasta water generously: The water should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Don't rush the mushroom cooking process: Allow them to release their moisture and develop a beautiful golden-brown color for maximum flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial: The starchy water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the paccheri.
- Toast the pistachios briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
- 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