Pantry Raiding + Pistachio Pesto Spaghetti

Ever look into your pantry and feel that you had food, but nothing cohesive to cook with? I feel this way all of the time. Until today, when I looked into my pantry and saw that I had pistachios (from when I was trying to be healthy and incorporate more nuts into my diet), garlic (which I always have on hand), spaghetti (this or any pasta that is a staple in your pantry), and olive oil. I was missing some fresh basil, but I substituted some dried Italian seasonings. I created a pistachio pesto spaghetti, on the fly. Regular pesto includes basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts, but I substituted one nutty flavor for another. I would definitely try this again with almonds or hazelnuts, two of my favorite nuts. It gets increasingly easier to substitute flavors and ingredients ever since I took the cooking class (required by my event management major - go figure). I also find that the more restaurants I go to and try odd menu items that I wouldn't usually make at home, I am increasing my repertoire of palate pleasers. 
Most recently, S and I went to our favorite restaurant, Prato. This time, we went with a gift card, so we were willing to try anything and everything. This time, we tried the bone marrow crostini.  It was atop a crunchy slice of baguette, with fontina cheese, so salty and savory as a whole. So delightful. 
Of course, we also had to order our favorite pizza there, the widowmaker which consists of a bed of our favorite leafy green, arugula, surrounding a farm egg. So good, it can kill a man. They have a pizza oven there, so the crust tastes like Napoli, Italy to me - the origins of pizza. 

Salut, Yelle

Pizza photo source

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  1. Mmm! Sounds awesome. I love pistachios but wouldn't think to pair them with pasta! My go-to when I'm feeling uninspired in the kitchen but don't want to eat cereal again is whole wheat angel hair pasta with olive oil, garlic, peccorino, and red pepper flakes. Add a dollop of ricotta and some salt, perfection! I'll have to try this recipe soon.

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    1. That. Sounds. Delicious! Sounds perfect for when I come home and don't want to spend too much time on dinner!

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  2. That pasta looks delicious, I know how to cook, but I think I need to start experimenting a little bit more, I have no idea how to use any ingredients other than the basics. I'm lucky my boyfriend used to be a chef, or I think I might starve. Pesto is definitely on my list of things to try xo

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    1. I've been getting more and more comfortable with experimenting the more I try! You are very lucky to be with a chef!

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  3. Absolutely delicious. I love 'odd' pestos! Whenever I end up in Italy I always take home a bottle or two of walnut and ricotta pesto. Buonissimo!

    x Elena @ Randomly Happy

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    1. Mmm! I will definitely need to keep an eye out for those kind of pestos! Ricotta? Sounds like it was made for me!

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  4. i am on the "eat more nuts for healthy fat" kick right now. in fact i just bought some pine nuts because i hear they are extra good for you (sadly, i can't remember why but it was on a lose weight episode of doctor oz the other day- lord help me working from home does have it's drawbacks!). i have been wanting to make a nutty pasta sauce to go with my rice pasta - which btw is NOT a real substitute for real pasta. it's not good, but what can you do? i say just make lots of yummy sauces! i will add this one because it sounds heavenly!

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    1. I have heard the same thing from others who have cooked with rice pasta! Definitely does not sounds enticing!

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  5. Yum! this all looks so good! now im craving pizza. :)

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    1. I know, I can barely visit this post to reply to comments without my mouth watering!

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  6. Chanced upon your blog and enjoy reading it!

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    1. Thank you Michelle! Hope you come on by again!

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  7. That flatbread/pizza looks amazing!

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    1. It really really is! I have dreams about it!

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  8. Oh, that pizza... I think I am drooling right now... I really love your blog design and layout by the way!

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