Creamy Walnut Pasta Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Walnut Pasta Sauce, a delightful blend of walnuts, Parmigiano cheese, and cream. This sauce elevates your favorite noodles into a luscious, satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, this sauce not only offers a wonderful nutty taste but also provides a creamy texture that complements any type of pasta. Whether serving it on a chilly evening or at a dinner party, this sauce will impress and delight everyone at the table.
4
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
walnuts, chopped
1 cup (Chopped)
parmigiano cheese, grated
1/2 cup (Grated)
heavy cream
1 cup (None)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the chopped walnuts, grated Parmigiano cheese, heavy cream, black pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy; adjust for texture to your preference.
2
Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat. Stir continuously to avoid boiling. The aim is to warm the sauce until heated through and slightly thickened without reaching a boiling point.
3
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
4
Once the sauce is warmed, combine it with the drained pasta in the saucepan. Toss well to coat the noodles, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired creaminess.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmigiano and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
10g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Walnut Pasta Sauce?
It is a rich and nutty Italian-inspired sauce made from blended walnuts, Parmigiano cheese, and heavy cream, perfect for coating your favorite noodles.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are chopped walnuts, grated Parmigiano cheese, heavy cream, black pepper, and an optional pinch of ground nutmeg.
How many servings does this sauce recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is the nutmeg mandatory in the Creamy Walnut Pasta Sauce?
No, the ground nutmeg is listed as an optional ingredient to add an extra layer of flavor.
Can I boil the sauce to heat it faster?
No, it is recommended to heat the sauce gently over low heat and avoid boiling to maintain the proper texture and prevent separation.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the sauce?
You should combine the ingredients in a food processor and blend until it reaches your desired level of smoothness.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this sauce?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this walnut sauce provide?
This recipe provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this recipe?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving pasta water allows you to add a splash to the final dish to help achieve your desired level of creaminess when tossing the noodles with the sauce.
How should I serve the Creamy Walnut Pasta Sauce?
It is best served immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmigiano cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the Parmigiano cheese used is a vegetarian-friendly version (without animal rennet).
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
The sauce is versatile and complements almost any type of pasta, from long noodles like fettuccine to shapes like penne.
Can I use pre-ground black pepper?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper is called for in the recipe.
What kitchen equipment is needed?
You will need a food processor for blending and a small saucepan for heating the sauce.
How do I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being placed in the food processor.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the blended mixture in advance and heat it just before serving.
What is the preparation style for the Parmigiano cheese?
The cheese should be grated before being blended into the sauce.
Is this recipe considered quick and easy?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick and easy' recipe because it uses few ingredients and simple blending/heating steps.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The nutrition data indicates that fiber content is not specified for this specific recipe breakdown.
Is there any sugar in the sauce?
The recipe does not list any sugar in its nutritional information.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
The profile is nutty, creamy, and savory with a hint of spice from the pepper and nutmeg.
Can I substitute heavy cream with milk?
Substituting milk will result in a much thinner sauce; heavy cream is recommended for the signature luscious texture.
How much walnuts do I need?
You will need 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The sauce itself is gluten-free, provided it is served with gluten-free pasta.
How much Parmigiano cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano cheese.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could certainly blend in a clove of garlic for extra savoriness.
What is the sodium content?
Sodium information is not provided in the current nutritional facts.
Should I toast the walnuts first?
The recipe does not require toasting, but doing so briefly before blending can enhance the nutty aroma.