Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your home cooking to restaurant-worthy levels! This extraordinary Gemelli Pasta with Caramelized Pears and Gorgonzola Sauce is not just a meal—it's an experience that marries the creamy richness of gorgonzola, the delicate sweetness of caramelized pears, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gemelli pasta
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, prepare the pears. Wash and core the pears, then slice them into thin, uniform wedges approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pear slices in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook pear slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add gemelli pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- In the same skillet used for pears, reduce heat to low and add heavy cream. Gently warm the cream, stirring continuously.
- Crumble gorgonzola cheese into the warm cream, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toast walnuts in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the gorgonzola cream sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Gently fold caramelized pear slices into the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with toasted walnuts, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for caramelization - they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- Use a non-stick skillet for caramelizing pears to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
- Toast walnuts carefully and watch them closely to prevent burning - they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency is perfect for adjusting sauce thickness.
- Use freshly crumbled gorgonzola for the most intense flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture of the pasta and the warmth of the sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 75mg
