Delicious Pasta Recipes Featuring Walnuts

Pasta is a staple in many UK households, loved for its versatility, comforting texture, and endless pairing possibilities. But if you’re looking to elevate your pasta game with something a little different, walnuts might be the perfect addition. Their rich, earthy flavour and satisfying crunch add depth and nutrition to a wide variety of pasta dishes.

In this article, we’ll explore a selection of delicious pasta recipes featuring walnuts—all easy to prepare, packed with flavour, and perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

Why Use Walnuts in Pasta?

Walnuts are more than just a healthy snack. They are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based protein. In pasta dishes, they offer:

• Texture – A satisfying crunch to contrast creamy or soft components.

• Flavour – Earthy and slightly bitter, they balance rich sauces beautifully.

• Nutrition – A boost of heart-healthy fats, fibre, and key vitamins like magnesium and vitamin E.

Incorporating walnuts into your pasta recipes is a simple way to make meals more wholesome without sacrificing taste.

1. Walnut and Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti or linguine

• 75g walnuts (toasted)

• 30g fresh basil leaves

• 50g Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese)

• 1 garlic clove

• 100ml olive oil

• Juice of half a lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Let them cool slightly.

2. In a food processor, combine walnuts, basil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.

3. Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.

4. Mix the pesto with the pasta, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

5. Serve with extra cheese and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top.

Why It Works:
This recipe is a walnut-rich twist on the classic Italian pesto. It’s perfect for a quick weekday dinner and brings bold, nutty notes with every bite.

2. Creamy Walnut and Mushroom Tagliatelle

Ingredients:

• 250g tagliatelle

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 200g chestnut mushrooms (sliced)

• 1 garlic clove (minced)

• 100ml single cream or oat cream

• 60g walnuts (chopped)

• Fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook tagliatelle as per package directions.

2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms until golden and tender.

3. Add garlic, walnuts, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Pour in the cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until well-coated.

Why It Works:
Mushrooms and walnuts complement each other with their earthy tones, while cream brings it all together for a rich, indulgent sauce.

3. Walnut and Roasted Pepper Penne

Ingredients:

• 300g penne

• 2 red peppers (roasted and peeled)

• 50g walnuts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Handful of fresh parsley

• Salt and chilli flakes (optional)

Method:

1. Roast red peppers in the oven at 200°C until charred. Cool, peel, and deseed.

2. Blend roasted peppers with walnuts, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and parsley to form a smooth sauce.

3. Cook penne and reserve some pasta water.

4. Mix sauce with cooked pasta and loosen with pasta water if needed.

5. Top with fresh herbs and a pinch of chilli flakes for heat.

Why It Works:
Roasted red peppers provide sweetness and a smoky base, while walnuts bring texture and richness. A vibrant, plant-based option that doesn’t skimp on flavour.

4. Walnut and Blue Cheese Fusilli

Ingredients:

• 250g fusilli

• 75g blue cheese (Stilton or Gorgonzola)

• 50g walnuts (lightly crushed)

• 100ml double cream

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Fresh rocket leaves for garnish

Method:

1. Cook fusilli until al dente.

2. In a saucepan, heat cream and add blue cheese, stirring until melted.

3. Mix in mustard and walnuts, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

4. Combine sauce with drained pasta and serve with rocket on top.

Why It Works:
This bold, creamy dish uses walnuts to counter the sharpness of the blue cheese. Ideal for a comforting autumn or winter meal.

Tips for Cooking with Walnuts

• Toast for Extra Flavour: Toasting walnuts before adding them to sauces or garnishes intensifies their nutty flavour.

• Blend Smooth or Leave Chunky: Depending on the texture you prefer, walnuts can be finely ground or roughly chopped.

• Store Properly: Keep walnuts in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Walnuts are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can turn an ordinary pasta dish into something truly special. Whether you’re craving something creamy, nutty, fresh, or hearty, these delicious pasta recipes featuring walnuts offer a satisfying solution for any mealtime.

Ideal for the modern UK home cook, these recipes strike the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence. So next time you reach for a packet of pasta, consider adding walnuts to the mix—you’ll be surprised at how much flavour and texture they bring to your plate.