Penne Pasta with Walnuts Green Onions and Goat Cheese
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Penne Pasta with Walnuts, Green Onions, and Goat Cheese—a delightful fusion of creamy, nutty, and zesty flavors. Perfected in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines al dente penne pasta with toasted walnuts for a satisfying crunch, delicate green onions for a pop of freshness, and goat cheese for a tangy, velvety sauce. Enhanced with garlic, a touch of lemon zest, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, every bite bursts with vibrant yet comforting flavors. Whether you're seeking an elegant vegetarian option or a quick pasta dish that feels indulgent, this recipe is effortless to make and guaranteed to impress. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of green onion tops for added flair, making it the ultimate combination of simplicity and sophistication. Keywords: penne pasta recipe, walnut pasta, goat cheese sauce, vegetarian dinner, quick pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 100 grams walnuts
- 4 stalks green onions
- 150 grams goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 120 milliliters reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, chop roughly, and set aside.
Thinly slice the green onions, separating the white and green parts. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of the pasta water. Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the garlic and onions.
Add the toasted walnuts, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
Crumble the goat cheese into the skillet and add half of the reserved pasta water. Gently stir until the goat cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2911 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.0 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.8 g | 209% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 47.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 118 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 1892 mg | 82% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 315.2 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.4 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 99.2 g | 198% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 375 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 22.2 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 1519 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
