Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mind-blowing Penne with Creamy Walnut Sauce! Imagine a luxurious Italian-inspired dish that combines the rich, nutty crunch of toasted walnuts with a velvety cream sauce that clings perfectly to every single pasta ridge. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a gourmet journey that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy, all while being incredibly easy to prepare in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy walnut sauce. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the toasted walnuts. Toast them lightly for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the walnuts are toasted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the walnuts and garlic. Stir well to combine the ingredients, allowing the cream to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- As the cream heats, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the penne pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately add the drained penne to the skillet with the creamy walnut sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Toast your walnuts carefully to enhance their flavor - watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor and smoothest sauce.
- For extra richness, try using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- Fresh basil is crucial for garnish, but if unavailable, fresh parsley makes a great substitute.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 779kcal
Carbohydrates: 71g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 47g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
