5 from 20 votes

This Italian Pistachio Ricotta Crostata is creamy and delicious. A ricotta cheese filling with the addition of chopped pistachios makes it the perfect snack or dessert pie!

pistachio crostata on a black cake stand.

Everytime I make something sweet the Italian is always there wondering if pistachios might be a good idea to add in. And to tell the truth he was right in this case. Rather than the usual chocolate chips I substituted with chopped pistachios. It turned out perfectly delicious, and I hope for you too!

How to make it

Prepare the crostata dough, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

While the dough is chilling make the ricotta filling. In a large bowl beat until smooth the ricotta, vanilla, egg, sugar and cream, fold in the coarsely chopped pistachios.

the ricotta cream filling in a red bowl before & after adding the pistachios.

Remove the dough from fridge and knead the dough a couple of times to soften it up, divide the dough into 2 parts, place one part on a floured flat surface. Roll out to 1/8″ thickness round circle. Be sure to lightly flour the rolling pin also.

Transfer the circle to the prepared pie plate, trim the dish of any extra dough. Prick the dough with the tongs of a fork, then sprinkle with some chopped pistachios and top with the Ricotta cream mixture.

pie crust sprinkled with chopped pistachios & ricotta cream spread on top.

With the extra dough make strips to create a lattice finish.

Line them criss cross on the top of the crostata. Any excess dough can be frozen in a freezer safe bag.

Crisscrossing the strands on top of the crostata.

Brush top lightly with milk and bake until golden. Let cool before enjoying. To make it even more delicious, once the crostata has cooled, refrigerate for an hour before serving. This crostata is even better the day after!

What are the ingredients in Italian Pastry Dough?

Italian Pastry Dough consists of flour, sugar, baking powder, butter (usually room temperature) and an egg and an egg yolk. The egg makes the dough even flakier.

Making Homemade Italian Pie Dough

Making your own homemade dough is not as difficult as it seems. Especially if you use a food processor. Although making it with your hands is fine too. Place the dry ingredients in the bowl of the machine, whisk them together then add the butter and eggs, pulse to combine.

Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead into a smooth ball. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Are pistachios good for you?

Healthline has this to say about Pistachios, they are a great source of healthy fats, fibre, protein, antioxidants, and various nutrients, including vitamin B6 and thiamine. Their health effects may also help with weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and improved gut, eye, and blood vessel health.

Crostata on a black cake plate with a slice on a black plate with a fork.

How to roast pistachios

If you can’t find the pistachios already coarsely chopped then you will have to chop them yourself, you may want to roast them first. Although I used un roasted chopped pistachios. Pre-heat the oven and spread the nuts on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 6-8 minutes, check to make sure they don’t burn.

Remove from the oven and place the pistachios on a clean towel. Rub them to remove the skins. Let cool before chopping. They are done when they turn light brown and they will start to give off a nutty, fragrant smell. You can also check by cutting one in half, if they are done it should be an even pale brown colour.

How to chop pistachios

They can be coarsely chopped using a food processor or blender, pulse quickly in short spurts, until the correct size is done. Or you can use a sharp knife, moving the knife up and down until chopped to size.

Crostata on a black cake plate with a silver spatula.

Can I substitute the Pistachios?

Yes you can, you can substitute with chocolate chips, either white, milk or dark or use your choice of coarsely chopped nuts or even raisins soaked in rum.

How to tell if the Ricotta Cheese has gone bad

The best way to tell is by the smell and appearance. If it has turned yellow or has an off odour or flavour, or if any mould appears it should be thrown away.

How to store the Crostata

Any leftovers should be covered in plastic and refrigerated. It will keep for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

How to freeze it

Cool the crostata completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator.

More Delicious Pistachio Recipes

I would love if you tried this recipe and of course let me know what you think. Enjoy!