Creamy Walnut & Pear Spaghetti Delight
Indulge in this unique and delightful pasta dish, where the sweet softness of ripe pears complements the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. Combining textures and tastes, the creamy sauce, made with either gorgonzola or a healthier alternative, coats the spaghetti beautifully, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch. This recipe is inspired by the innovative vegetarian cuisine of Australian chef Flip Shelton, and it serves perfectly as a stand-alone meal or a sophisticated side dish. A true culinary adventure awaits in each bite, making it a must-try for pasta lovers seeking something different.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
200 g (uncooked)
baby spinach leaves
200 g (washed and roughly chopped)
gorgonzola cheese
50 g (or substitute with 1 tablespoon parmesan and 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt)
ripe pear
1/2 (peeled, cored, and very thinly sliced, or 1 Granny Smith apple)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ( )
dried sage
1/2 teaspoon ( )
walnuts
1/2 cup (shelled and roughly chopped)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste ( )
Instructions
1
1. Fill a large pot three-quarters full with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2
2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
3. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, making sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water for later use.
4
4. Return the hot spaghetti to the pot over low heat. Add the baby spinach and the cheese of your choice; stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese begins to melt into a creamy sauce. If using yogurt, add just a tiny bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
5
5. Gently fold in the sliced pear (or apple), chopped walnuts, thyme, and sage. Stir well and allow the ingredients to warm through for a couple of minutes.
6
6. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, season generously with freshly ground black pepper, and toss gently until everything is well combined.
7
7. Serve hot, garnishing with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
8
8. For a smoother sauce, melt the gorgonzola or chosen cheese over low heat in a separate pan, adding a bit of reserved pasta water. Stir in the pear (or apple), then mix with the spaghetti and spinach until well coated. Finish with lemon juice, walnuts, thyme, and sage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Creamy Walnut & Pear Spaghetti Delight?
This dish features a unique combination of sweet ripe pears and rich, nutty walnuts, complemented by a creamy cheese sauce and fresh herbs like thyme and sage.
Is this spaghetti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and was inspired by the innovative vegetarian cuisine of Australian chef Flip Shelton.
How long should I cook the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked in boiling water for approximately 8 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What can I use as a healthier alternative to gorgonzola cheese?
You can substitute 50g of gorgonzola with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of Greek yoghurt.
What type of fruit can be used in this pasta dish?
The recipe calls for half of a ripe pear, but you can also use a Granny Smith apple as a substitute.
Should I keep the pasta cooking water?
Yes, it is important to reserve some of the pasta cooking water to help achieve the desired creaminess in the sauce.
How do I prepare the baby spinach leaves?
The 200g of baby spinach should be washed and roughly chopped before being added to the hot pasta.
Which herbs are used to season this dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried sage.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of walnuts that are shelled and roughly chopped.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the pasta at the end, along with black pepper, and toss gently before serving.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
For a smoother sauce, melt the cheese in a separate pan over low heat with a bit of reserved pasta water before mixing it with the spaghetti.
Can this recipe be served as a side dish?
Yes, it serves perfectly as either a stand-alone vegetarian meal or a sophisticated side dish.
What is the purpose of the Greek yoghurt in the alternative sauce?
The Greek yoghurt provides a healthier, creamy base when combined with a small amount of reserved pasta water.
How should the pear be sliced?
The pear should be peeled, cored, and very thinly sliced so it folds easily into the pasta.
What is the best way to prevent the spaghetti from sticking?
Stir the spaghetti occasionally while it is cooking in the boiling water.
How much spaghetti do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 200 grams of uncooked spaghetti.
Do I need to cook the spinach separately?
No, you add the spinach directly to the hot, drained spaghetti; the residual heat will wilt it perfectly.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
The recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended to be added to taste.
Can I garnish the dish with more cheese?
Yes, you can serve the dish hot with an additional sprinkle of cheese or extra walnuts if desired.
How many ingredients are in the Creamy Walnut & Pear Spaghetti Delight?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the pasta, produce, nuts, cheese, and seasonings.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, as it mostly involves boiling pasta and folding in fresh ingredients.
What temperature should the pot be when melting the cheese into the pasta?
The pot should be over low heat to gently melt the cheese without burning it.
Who is the chef that inspired this meal?
The recipe is inspired by the work of Australian chef Flip Shelton.
How much water should I use to boil the pasta?
You should fill a large pot three-quarters full with water.
What is the texture of the pear in the final dish?
The pear should have a sweet softness that complements the crunchy texture of the walnuts.
Is this dish suitable for a gourmet dinner?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated and gourmet dish suitable for those seeking a unique culinary adventure.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for dried thyme and dried sage.
What is the role of the walnuts in this recipe?
The walnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce and soft fruit.
Should the pear be cooked for a long time?
No, the pear slices should only be warmed through for a couple of minutes to maintain their delicate texture.