Pasta Shells With Walnuts And Cream Cheese
Creamy pasta shells with walnuts and garlic offer a rich, nutty flavor profile perfect for a comforting, family-friendly meal with a hint of herbaceous oregano.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add crushed garlic and oregano; cook for 1 minute.
- Add butter, cream cheese, chopped walnuts, salt, and pepper; stir and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta shells in boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender but still firm; drain thoroughly.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a warmed serving dish.
- Remove sauce from heat; add cream and stir.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta shells and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with walnut halves.
- Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using toasted walnuts instead of raw. You can substitute the cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist, or use ricotta for a lighter texture. If you prefer a herbaceous note, try adding fresh basil or parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes featuring fresh vegetables or meats, like Italian Broccoli or Meatballs - Anna B'S.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta shells garnished with walnut halves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Italian Pizzilla or your favorite Italian meat dish to complement the creamy flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta rubbery and dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Shells With Walnuts And Cream Cheese contains roughly 493 calories, with 13g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (145% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), and calcium (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1911mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and combine it with the pasta. This makes for a quick and easy meal without compromising on flavor.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds work well as alternatives. You can also omit the nuts entirely or use seeds like sunflower seeds for a nut-free option while still adding a nice crunch.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it features pasta, cream cheese, and walnuts, making it a hearty meal option. For vegans, consider using plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free cream substitute to create a delicious vegan version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).