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
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.