Penne with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Name: Penne with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 350 g penne pasta; 150 g blue cheese (crumbled); 1 cup walnuts (roughly chopped); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 pinch salt (to taste); 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)

30 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

A rich and creamy penne dish featuring tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts for a delightful texture contrast.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Penne with blue cheese and walnuts is a comforting yet sophisticated dish that brings together the creamy tang of blue cheese and the nutty crunch of walnuts. This dish is perfect for cheese lovers and those looking to impress guests with a gourmet pasta experience. The rich sauce clings to the penne, creating a luxurious dining experience that is easy to prepare. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Pro tip: Do not rinse the pasta to help the sauce adhere better.

Toast the Walnuts

In a small dry pan, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pro tip: Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Melt the Blue Cheese

Add the crumbled blue cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Pro tip: Lower the heat if the sauce starts to bubble rapidly.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Pro tip: A few tablespoons of pasta water can help emulsify the sauce.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the toasted walnuts and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra walnuts and black pepper.

Pro tip: For added colour, sprinkle with chopped parsley.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a high-quality blue cheese for the best flavour.</li><li>Toast the walnuts for added depth and aroma.</li><li>Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.</li><li>Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve the penne hot, garnished with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light salad to balance the richness of the cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore the sauce's creaminess.

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More Recipes

medium

25 min

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Toast the Walnuts

Prepare the Sauce

Melt the Blue Cheese

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finish and Serve

Tips & Tricks

Serving Suggestions

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