Imagine a meal that's ready in just 25 minutes, packed with incredible flavor, and secretly nutritious - this isn't just another pasta recipe, this is your new weeknight culinary lifesaver! Combining the nutty richness of toasted walnuts, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and hearty whole wheat pasta, this dish is about to revolutionize your dinner routine. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a delicious meal without hours of preparation, this recipe is your golden ticket to an impressive, gourmet-style dinner that looks like it took hours but comes together in mere minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 whole wheat pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped walnuts to the skillet and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with garlic and walnuts. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the oil and toasted walnuts.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the pasta, gently mixing to distribute.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the feta cheese.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to build flavor!
- Toast the walnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor impact.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the feta's creamy texture and prevent the pasta from cooling down.
- For extra richness, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
