Creamy Spaghetti with Walnut Pesto and Pine Nuts

Spaghetti with Walnuts – A Delicious and Nutty Italian Delight

When you’re in the mood for a quick yet decadent pasta dish, Spaghetti with Walnuts is the perfect choice. This Italian recipe combines the nutty richness of walnuts with the smooth creaminess of a homemade walnut pesto, creating a truly satisfying meal. The addition of aromatic garlic, delicate pine nuts, and fresh marjoram adds layers of flavor, while the cheese brings everything together in harmony. It’s a unique twist on traditional pasta, simple yet full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Walnuts (Serves 4)

Instructions for Preparing Spaghetti with Walnuts

1. Blanch the Walnuts:
   Start by blanching the walnut halves to soften their skins and tone down any bitterness. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then drop the walnuts in. Let them cook for 5 minutes before draining them with a fine mesh sieve. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel, gently rubbing them to remove the thin skin.

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2. Soak the Bread:
   While the walnuts are blanching, break the stale bread into small pieces and place it in a bowl. Pour the whole milk over the bread and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the milk and soften completely.

3. Cook the Pasta:
   Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9 minutes, until al dente.

4. Prepare the Walnut Pesto:
   In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the blanched walnuts, soaked bread (drained through a fine sieve, but keeping the milk aside), pine nuts, and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pulse until the mixture starts to form a coarse paste. Gradually pour in the extra virgin olive oil while the machine is running to emulsify the pesto into a smooth, creamy texture. Once done, stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, cheesy finish.

5. Combine the Pasta and Pesto:
   Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Add the hot pasta directly to the bowl containing the walnut pesto. Stir gently to coat the spaghetti with the pesto, adding a little of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Be sure to mix well to infuse every strand of pasta with the creamy walnut goodness.

6. Serve and Garnish:
   Divide the spaghetti with walnuts between plates. Garnish with extra walnut halves for texture and a sprig of fresh marjoram for a pop of color and flavor. A quick crack of black pepper can be added on top for an extra kick. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the creamy, nutty flavors of this Italian-inspired dish.

Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti with Walnuts:

• Bread Substitute: If you don’t have stale bread on hand, feel free to use a few slices of toasted bread. The goal is to add a bit of texture and richness to the pesto, so experiment with different types of bread for varied results.
• Nuts: While walnuts are the star of this recipe, feel free to mix in other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a unique twist. Pine nuts are traditionally used in pesto, but you can substitute them with other seeds or nuts if you prefer.
• Cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano DOP is the best cheese for this dish, but if you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano can serve as a suitable alternative with its sharper, saltier flavor.
• Herbs: Marjoram is used here for its mild, earthy flavor, but basil can be substituted for a more traditional pesto flavor. Fresh thyme could also be a lovely addition if you want to experiment with different herbs.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti with Walnuts

Spaghetti with walnuts is more than just another pasta dish; it’s an experience in every bite. The toasted walnut pesto provides a rich, satisfying flavor that coats the pasta beautifully, making each mouthful an indulgence. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special evening with friends. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the walnuts and olive oil to shine, offering a taste of Italy’s countryside in every forkful.

Enjoy this heartwarming, Italian-inspired dish that’s both easy to make and unforgettable in taste. Perfect for any occasion, Spaghetti with Walnuts will bring a touch of elegance to your meal table, all while being packed with wholesome flavors that everyone will love!