Creamy Gorgonzola and Walnut Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Gorgonzola and Walnut Pasta combines rich, tangy cheese with crunchy toasted walnuts for a quick, elegant meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Stir in the Gorgonzola cheese until melted and smooth. Add the toasted walnuts and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding.
- Substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
- Add a handful of spinach or arugula for a fresh, green twist.
- For a milder flavor, use a softer blue cheese or reduce the amount of Gorgonzola.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, you can use other blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton, or even a milder blue cheese if you prefer less pungency.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting when reheating?
Reheat the pasta slowly over low heat and add a little cream or milk to help keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
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Creamy Gorgonzola and Walnut Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring creamy Gorgonzola cheese combined with toasted walnuts, creating a perfect balance of tangy and nutty flavors. This easy-to-make penne pasta is coated in a luscious cheese sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Cheese and Walnuts: Stir in the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese until it melts completely, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. Mix in the toasted walnuts, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Gorgonzola and walnut sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of reserved pasta water when tossing the pasta with the sauce.
- Toast the walnuts gently in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavor before chopping.
- Use good quality Gorgonzola for the best flavor; you can substitute with other blue cheeses if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Gorgonzola pasta, walnut pasta, creamy pasta recipe, penne pasta with cheese sauce, easy Italian pasta
