Creamy Walnut Penne Al Mascarpone
Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta experience with this decadent Creamy Walnut Penne Al Mascarpone. Originally inspired by a classic recipe from The New Complete Book Of Pasta, this dish features the luxurious flavors of mascarpone cheese, complemented by the nuttiness of walnuts and a hint of brandy. The addition of a mild tomato sauce provides just the right touch of acidity, balancing the creaminess of the dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its irresistible flavors. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh Italian parsley and a sprinkle of your favorite grated cheese for a delightful finish.
4
Servings
600
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 lb (unsalted, melted)
Mascarpone
1/4 lb (softened)
Heavy Cream
1/2 cup (fresh)
Brandy
1 1/2 ounces
Mild Tomato Sauce
2 tablespoons
Walnuts
12 (coarsely chopped)
Grated Asiago Cheese or Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (for serving)
Penne Pasta
12 ounces (cooked al dente)
Salt
to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Italian Parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
52.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Walnut Penne Al Mascarpone?
It is a rich and indulgent Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring a creamy sauce made from mascarpone, heavy cream, and butter, flavored with brandy and walnuts.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include penne pasta, mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, butter, walnuts, brandy, and a small amount of mild tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
Why is brandy used in the sauce?
Brandy is used to add a sophisticated depth of flavor and a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the mascarpone.
What type of cheese is best for serving?
Grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese is recommended for finishing the dish.
Is there any tomato sauce in this recipe?
Yes, two tablespoons of mild tomato sauce are added to provide a touch of acidity and balance the creaminess.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be coarsely chopped before being added to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish products.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 40g of fat per serving in this creamy pasta dish.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe provides 15g of protein per serving.
What kind of pasta works best for this sauce?
Penne pasta is the preferred choice as its shape effectively captures the thick, creamy walnut sauce.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal, making it suitable for both busy weeknights and elegant gatherings.
How much mascarpone is needed?
You will need 1/4 lb of softened mascarpone cheese.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of unsalted, melted butter.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
The dish was inspired by a classic recipe from the book 'The New Complete Book Of Pasta'.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 52.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish should be garnished with 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh Italian parsley.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
While fresh heavy cream provides the best results, you could use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The penne pasta should be cooked al dente to maintain a firm texture against the rich sauce.
Does this dish contain a lot of sodium?
Salt is added to taste, so you can control the sodium level during preparation.
Is this dish considered a gourmet recipe?
Yes, with ingredients like mascarpone, brandy, and walnuts, it is categorized as a gourmet meal.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh heavy cream.
Is the mascarpone easy to blend?
Yes, using softened mascarpone ensures it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
While walnuts are traditional, pecans or toasted hazelnuts could serve as alternatives.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data does not specify a fiber count, though the walnuts and pasta provide small amounts.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the dish is not spicy; it relies on rich, creamy, and nutty flavors.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients required to make this recipe.
Can this be served at formal dinner parties?
Absolutely, its elegant flavor profile and rich texture make it perfect for formal gatherings.
How much brandy is required for the recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 ounces of brandy for the sauce.