Walnut Pear Spaghetti
Elevate your pasta night with this elegant and unexpected Walnut Pear Spaghetti—a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Perfectly al dente spaghetti forms the base of this dish, complemented by thin slices of ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears, which gently caramelize in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch and earthy richness, while fresh thyme imparts a subtly herbal aroma. Finished with optional Parmesan cheese and a touch of bright lemon zest, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a special occasion. Serve this unique pasta creation as a stunning vegetarian centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Spaghetti
- 2 medium Ripe pears (firm but not overripe, preferably Bartlett or Anjou)
- 100 grams Walnuts
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
While the spaghetti is cooking, toast the walnuts. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from the skillet and roughly chop them.
Peel and core the pears, then slice them into thin wedges.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the pear slices to the skillet and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Cook for 3-4 minutes, gently stirring, until the pears are softened but still hold their shape.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to create a light sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
Stir in the toasted walnuts, then season the dish with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. If desired, top each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish.
Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of earthy, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors of the Walnut Pear Spaghetti.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2070 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 125.4 g | 161% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.0 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 47.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 3131 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 195.8 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.4 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.4 g | ||
| Protein | 59.1 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 741 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1104 mg | 23% | |
*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.
