Creamy Walnut Lemon Pasta Delight
This Creamy Walnut Lemon Pasta Delight is a sumptuous yet quick dish that brings together the rich flavors of toasted walnuts and zesty lemon in a silky cream sauce. Perfectly sautéed mushrooms add depth, while fresh parsley adds a refreshing finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delightful side. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to skip the mushrooms if preferred. Garnish with additional grated lemon peel and toasted walnuts for an elegant presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
whipping cream
1 cup (none)
grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
pasta
1 lb (uncooked (linguine or penne recommended))
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (none)
chopped walnuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the whipping cream and grated lemon peel. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream reduces by one-third, approximately 15 minutes.
2
While the cream is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the cream has reduced, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Pour in the reduced cream sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
5
Stir in the toasted walnuts and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, additional grated lemon peel, and extra toasted walnuts if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Walnut Lemon Pasta Delight?
It is a sumptuous yet quick dish featuring toasted walnuts, zesty lemon, and sautéed mushrooms in a silky cream sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Is this pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses mushrooms, walnuts, and dairy products without any meat.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Linguine or penne are the recommended pasta types for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and you can feel free to skip the mushrooms if preferred.
How do I reduce the whipping cream?
Combine the cream and lemon peel in a saucepan and heat over medium-low for about 15 minutes until it reduces by one-third.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water allows you to adjust the consistency of the cream sauce when mixing it with the pasta.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are tender and golden.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be chopped and toasted before being added to the dish.
What is used to garnish the pasta?
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, additional grated lemon peel, and extra toasted walnuts.
How much whipping cream is needed?
You will need 1 cup of whipping cream for the sauce base.
How much lemon peel is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon peel.
What is the serving size for the pasta?
The recipe uses 1 pound of uncooked pasta, which typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter; you can use salted or unsalted and adjust the final seasoning accordingly.
How much mushroom should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sliced mushrooms.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir in the Parmesan cheese along with the toasted walnuts after combining the pasta and cream sauce.
Is the lemon peel cooked with the cream?
Yes, the lemon peel is simmered with the whipping cream to infuse the flavor as it reduces.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and check it a minute or two before the suggested time.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delightful side.
What ingredients provide the 'zesty' flavor?
The freshly grated lemon peel provides the zesty citrus notes in the cream sauce.
How do I season the dish?
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste after tossing the pasta with the sauce and cheese.
What consistency should the sauce have?
The sauce should be silky; use a splash of reserved pasta water if it is too thick after mixing.
Do I need fresh parsley?
Freshly chopped parsley is recommended for the best flavor and refreshing finish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Should the pasta be drained before adding to the skillet?
Yes, the pasta should be drained (remembering to reserve some water) before being added to the mushrooms.
Can I use a different nut?
While walnuts are traditional for this dish, you could experiment with other toasted nuts like pine nuts or pecans.
How do I achieve an elegant presentation?
Garnish with extra grated lemon peel and additional toasted walnuts just before serving.
Does this recipe include any tags?
Yes, tags include pasta, walnut, lemon, cream sauce, quick meal, vegetarian, and comfort food.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, with simple steps like simmering cream and sautéing mushrooms, it is very beginner-friendly.