Skip to main content

Fettuccine with Trapanese Pesto

3.3

(6)

This pesto, from Trapani, in Sicily, is made with almonds and tomato and far less basil than traditional pesto — don't expect it to be green.

Cooks' note:

To peel tomatoes, first cut an X in the end opposite the stem, then immerse in boiling water 10 to 15 seconds. Transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water, then peel.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 main-course servings

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves
3/4 cup slivered blanched almonds (3 ounces)
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tomatoes (1/2 pound total), peeled (see cooks' note, below), quartered, and seeded
1 ounce Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes (6 ounces), halved
1 pound dried fettuccine (not egg)
Garnish: fresh basil leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Purée garlic, almonds, basil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until almonds are coarsely ground. Add quartered tomatoes and cheese to purée and process until mixture is fairly smooth. With motor running, add oil in a stream and blend until incorporated. Transfer pesto to a large bowl and stir in grape tomatoes.

    Step 2

    Cook fettuccine in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just al dente. Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Serve immediately.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.