Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of pasta that's both creamy and crunchy, with a sophisticated flavor that'll make you feel like a gourmet chef. This Pasta with Ricotta Walnut Sauce is your ticket to an incredibly easy yet impressive Italian-inspired meal that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking skills, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for your culinary secrets!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 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 cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy consistency.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the pasta.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Add additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor of the dish.
Tips
- Toast your walnuts carefully: The key to releasing maximum flavor is toasting them slowly over medium heat. Watch them closely and stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid is a chef's secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce. Add it gradually to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Use fresh ingredients: High-quality ricotta and freshly minced garlic will dramatically elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- Serve immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the walnuts are still crisp.
- Feel free to experiment: Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or substituting different nuts like pine nuts or almonds for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 370kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
