I can’t wait to share this incredible Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata recipe with you! It’s one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I have so many fond memories associated with it.
A few summers ago, my partner and I decided to grow our own Sun Gold tomatoes in our little backyard garden. We nurtured those plants like they were our children, and when the first juicy, golden-orange globes started to ripen, we couldn’t wait to harvest them. The very first Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata we made that year was absolute perfection – the sweetness of the Sun Gold tomatoes, the crunch of the pistachios, and the fresh, herby gremolata all came together in the most incredible way.
I’ll never forget sitting out on our patio, twirling pasta around my fork and savoring every bite. The summer breeze, the sound of our neighbor’s wind chimes, and the feeling of pure bliss as the flavors danced on my tongue – it was one of those moments that just sticks with you. From that day on, Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata became a staple in our household, a dish we turn to again and again when we’re craving something truly special.
Table of Contents
Why This Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
What makes this Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata recipe so incredible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the Sun Gold tomatoes is the star of the show, but the crunchy, salty pistachios and the bright, herby gremolata provide the perfect counterpoints. Plus, the technique of lightly charring the tomatoes before tossing them with the pasta gives the whole dish an amazing depth of flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sun Gold tomatoes: These small, golden-orange beauties are the key to this recipe. Their sweetness is unparalleled.
- Pasta: I like to use a short, sturdy pasta shape like orecchiette or rigatoni to really capture all the flavors.
- Pistachios: Toasted and chopped, the pistachios add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is the base for the flavorful gremolata.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley brightens up the gremolata.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest adds a lovely citrusy zing.
- Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is a must for this dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season the pasta and gremolata to perfection.
Step-by-Step Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata Instructions
Preparing Your Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
This Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata comes together quickly, in about 30 minutes total. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan, a pot for boiling the pasta, and a food processor or blender to make the gremolata.
1- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While the water is heating up, prepare the Sun Gold tomatoes by cutting them in half and tossing them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the Sun Gold tomato halves in a single layer and let them char for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re nicely blistered.
3- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4- While the pasta is cooking, make the pistachio gremolata by combining the chopped pistachios, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
5- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the charred Sun Gold tomatoes. Toss everything together, then sprinkle the pistachio gremolata over the top.
6- Serve the Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata immediately, while it’s hot and the flavors are at their peak.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata is to not overcrowd the pan when charring the tomatoes. If you try to fit too many in at once, they’ll steam instead of getting that lovely char. Work in batches if needed.
Also, be sure not to overcook the pasta – you want it to still have a slight bite to it. And don’t be afraid to be generous with the pistachio gremolata – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from!
Serving and Storing Your Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
Perfect Pairings for Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
This Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata is the perfect main dish for a summer evening. I love serving it with a crisp, green salad and a glass of chilled white wine. It also makes a great potluck or picnic dish. The bright, fresh flavors are sure to be a hit.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers of this Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or give it a quick toss in a skillet over medium heat.
You can also make the pistachio gremolata in advance and store it separately. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week. Then all you have to do is cook the pasta and tomatoes when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
Creative Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata Variations
While the classic Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata is hard to beat, there are so many ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping in different nuts like walnuts or almonds for the pistachios. Or experiment with different herbs in the gremolata, like basil or mint. You could even add some crumbled feta or shredded parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.
Making Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata Diet-Friendly
To make this Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. For a vegan version, omit the parmesan and use toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds instead of the pistachios. And for a low-carb take, serve the charred tomatoes and pistachio gremolata over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of tomato instead of Sun Gold tomatoes?
A: While Sun Gold tomatoes are the star of this dish, you can absolutely use other small, sweet tomato varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile won’t be quite as bright and delicate.
Q: How do I know when the tomatoes are perfectly charred?
A: You’re looking for a nice, blistered, golden-brown color on the tomatoes. They should still have a bit of bite to them – you don’t want them to be mushy.
Q: Can I make the pistachio gremolata ahead of time?
A: Yes! The gremolata can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish. If you’re serving it as a side, it will feed closer to 6-8 people.
Q: What if my tomatoes aren’t as sweet as I’d like?
A: If your Sun Gold tomatoes aren’t quite as sweet as you were hoping, you can always add a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the gremolata to balance the flavors.
Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet sun gold tomatoes and crunchy pistachio gremolata in this comforting, 30-minute pasta dish.
Ingredients
– 12 oz sun gold tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or farfalle)
– 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon zest
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated parmesan, for serving
Instructions
1. – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. – In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved sun gold tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they start to burst and release their juices.
4. – Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss to combine.
5. – Serve the pasta warm, topped with the pistachio gremolata and grated parmesan.
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to the pasta. This dish also pairs well with a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
I hope this Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata recipe has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and celebrate the flavors of summer. It’s such a vibrant, delicious dish, and I know it will become a new favorite in your household too. Be sure to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy cooking!
