Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary gourmet experience! This creamy walnut sauce recipe is not just another pasta dish – it's a magical blend of rich, toasted walnuts and velvety cream that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and bring a touch of Italian-inspired magic to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be generously salted to enhance the pasta's flavor.
- While the water is heating, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, cooking until they become fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, minced garlic, cream, and half of the parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season the walnut sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot. Immediately pour the creamy walnut sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat each strand.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Toasting Technique: The key to this recipe's incredible flavor is properly toasting the walnuts. Watch them carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning – you want a golden, fragrant result, not bitter burnt nuts.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Texture Matters: For the smoothest sauce, ensure your walnuts are ground very finely in the food processor. A few small chunks are okay, but aim for a creamy consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest. If the sauce thickens, you can thin it out with a little reserved pasta water.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage Hack: If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
