Pasta With Cheese And Walnuts
Creamy pasta with spinach, goat cheese, walnuts, and herbs offers a rich, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting and sophisticated meal with a nutty, cheesy profile.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spinach pasta ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese ⓘ
- 2 (2 3/4 oz.) packages Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs
- 2 oz. chopped walnuts
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley or chives ⓘ
- 12 oz. radiatore or similar pasta
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 4 plum or medium tomatoes, seedless and chopped ⓘ
- 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add spinach, salt, and pepper; sauté for 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
- Transfer cooked pasta to a warm serving bowl.
- Add cooked spinach, chopped tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese; toss well to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more milk or a splash of cream when mixing the cheeses. If you can't find Boursin cheese, a mix of ricotta with garlic and herbs can serve as a substitute. Feel free to incorporate other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. This dish is versatile, much like the Pasta Shells With Artichokes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For an Italian flair, consider serving alongside a glass of white wine. Explore more Italian recipes that highlight the deliciousness of pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring often to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Cheese And Walnuts contains roughly 905 calories, with 31g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2908mg per serving (126% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While radiatore is recommended, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can replace it with feta or ricotta for a similar creaminess. Each alternative will bring its own unique flavor, so choose based on your preference. This way, you can tailor the dish to match your taste while keeping the original essence.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it features pasta, cheese, and vegetables without any meat. It makes for a hearty meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. If you're looking to explore more vegetarian recipes, this dish is a delicious addition to your collection.
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).