The Walnut Pesto Spaghetti is an incredible example of a simple, yet delectable dish. It's a fresh and hearty take on your typical spaghetti, taking the traditional pesto and adding a twist with the inclusion of walnuts. The nutty crunch of the walnuts, combined with the aromatic basil and flavorful cheese, makes this dish a delight to the senses.
Most ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your pantry or local supermarket. However, Pecorino Romano cheese might be a bit tricky to find. It's a hard, salty Italian cheese, often used in pasta recipes. If you are unable to locate Pecorino Romano, a good substitute would be Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients for Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
Spaghetti: Used as the base of the dish, provides a neutral and sustaining backdrop to the flavorful pesto.
Kale leaves: Adds a boost of nutrition and a subtle earthy flavor to the pesto.
Basil leaves: Contributes to the classic pesto flavor with its sweet and slightly minty taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Sugar: Slightly balances the saltiness and the bitterness of the basil.
Olive oil: Creates a smooth and rich pesto sauce.
Walnuts: Offers a unique crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with its distinct taste, offering a punch of flavor.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Adds a sharp and salty taste which complements the other pesto ingredients beautifully.
One reader, Fraze Best says:
This walnut pesto spaghetti recipe is a game-changer! The combination of kale, basil, and walnuts creates a rich and flavorful pesto that perfectly coats the spaghetti. It's a delightful twist on a classic dish, and the toasted walnuts add a lovely crunch. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques for Preparing Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
How to make the walnut pesto: Combine kale, basil, olive oil, walnuts, garlic, salt, pepper, and pecorino romano cheese in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
How to toast walnuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F, arrange walnuts on a baking sheet, and bake for 6-10 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
How To Make Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
This spaghetti recipe is cooked with a nutty and earthy walnut pesto sauce made of basil and kale, for a more flavorful and rich pesto pasta dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbspaghetti
- 2cupskale leaves,torn, stems removed
- 1cupfresh basil leaves,tightly packed
- 1tspsalt,plus more for boiling the pasta
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ¼tspsugar
- ½cupextra virgin olive oil
- ⅓cupwalnuts,toasted, if desired
- 2medium garlic cloves,roughly chopped
- ½cuppecorino romano cheese,grated
For Serving:
- ⅓cuppecorino romano cheese,grated
- ½cupwalnuts,chopped, toasted if desired
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and boil for about 10 minutes, until al dente, or according to package instructions.
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In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the kale and basil, then process until finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until smooth.
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Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
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Add the spaghetti back to the pot and toss with the pesto and ½ cup of the cooking water. If the pasta seems dry, add more of the water. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
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Serve topped with the grated Pecorino Romano and chopped walnuts, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 780.17kcal
- Fat: 36.79g
- Saturated Fat: 8.81g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.09g
- Carbohydrates: 87.50g
- Fiber: 4.14g
- Sugar: 3.73g
- Protein: 24.30g
- Cholesterol: 28.60mg
- Sodium: 429.37mg
- Calcium: 343.49mg
- Potassium: 345.39mg
- Iron: 2.21mg
- Vitamin A: 82.29µg
- Vitamin C: 11.16mg
Pro Tip for Making Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
When making your walnut pesto, it's important to add the olive oil gradually while the food processor is running. This helps to emulsify the oil with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, creamier pesto. Also, remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Time-Saving Tips for Walnut Pesto Spaghetti Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the pasta is boiling, prepare the pesto to save time.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently blend the pesto ingredients.
Toast walnuts in advance: Pre-toast the walnuts and store them in an airtight container for quick use in recipes.
Make extra: Double the pesto recipe and freeze the extra for future use, saving time on preparation later.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and utensils needed before starting to cook for a more efficient process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and tools as you cook to minimize cleanup time at the end.
Cook pasta in advance: Cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, ready to be reheated and mixed with the pesto when needed.
Use store-bought pesto: If short on time, consider using high-quality store-bought pesto as a time-saving alternative.
Invest in a good food processor: A high-quality food processor can significantly speed up the process of making pesto and other recipes.
Substitute Ingredients For Walnut Pesto Spaghetti Recipe
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walnuts – Substitute with pine nuts: Pine nuts have a similar rich and buttery flavor, making them a great alternative in pesto.
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kale leaves – Substitute with spinach leaves: Spinach has a milder flavor and a softer texture, which can work well in place of kale in the pesto.
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basil leaves – Substitute with parsley leaves: Parsley has a fresh and slightly peppery flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the pesto.
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pecorino romano cheese – Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a suitable replacement in the pesto.
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spaghetti – Substitute with linguine: Linguine has a similar shape and texture, making it a good alternative for the spaghetti in this recipe.
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extra virgin olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in the pesto.
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garlic – Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to garlic, and can add a unique depth to the pesto.
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kale leaves – Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery and slightly nutty flavor, which can add a different dimension to the pesto.
Presenting Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
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Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, carefully twirl the spaghetti into a neat mound using tongs, ensuring it is evenly distributed on the plate without any clumps or messiness.
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Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the grated pecorino romano cheese with a delicate hand, allowing it to cascade gracefully over the spaghetti, creating an enticing visual appeal.
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Incorporate texture: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the dish, strategically placing them to add a delightful crunch and visual interest to the overall presentation.
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Emphasize color contrast: Consider using a white or light-colored plate to showcase the vibrant green of the pesto and the golden hues of the walnuts, creating a visually striking contrast.
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Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by leaving some areas of the plate bare, allowing the dish to stand out and exude an air of sophistication.
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Attention to detail: Wipe any smudges or spills on the plate's rim, ensuring a pristine presentation that reflects the highest standards of culinary excellence.
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Artful drizzling: Finish the plating with a subtle drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Precision in portioning: Ensure that each plate receives an equal and appropriate amount of the walnut pesto spaghetti, demonstrating consistency and attention to detail in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
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Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the spaghetti.
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Colander: A colander is needed for draining the cooked spaghetti.
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Food processor: A food processor is used to blend the kale, basil, walnuts, and other ingredients to make the pesto.
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Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used for toasting the walnuts in the oven.
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Oven: The oven is used for toasting the walnuts.
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Blender: A blender can be used as an alternative to a food processor for making the pesto.
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Grater: A grater is used for grating the pecorino romano cheese.
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Measuring cups and spoons: These are used for accurately measuring the ingredients.
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Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor or blender when making the pesto.
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Bowl: A bowl is used for serving the finished walnut pesto spaghetti.
Storing and Freezing Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
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The pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing the container.
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If you want to freeze the pesto, omit the cheese and add it later when you're ready to use the pesto. Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. The frozen pesto will keep for up to 3 months.
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When you're ready to use the frozen pesto, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, stir in the grated pecorino romano cheese.
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Leftover spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed.
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If you want to freeze the leftover spaghetti, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. The frozen spaghetti will keep for up to 2 months.
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To reheat frozen spaghetti, place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen spaghetti directly in the microwave, stirring every minute or so, until it's heated through.
Reheating Leftover Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
- The best way to reheat leftover walnut pesto spaghetti is to place it in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen up the sauce. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Another great method is to reheat the spaghetti in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan, and toss the pasta until it's evenly coated and heated through. This method will help to revive the pesto and give the spaghetti a slightly crispy texture.
- If you have a bit more time, you can also reheat the walnut pesto spaghetti in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the spaghetti from drying out, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
- For a quick and easy lunch, you can also enjoy leftover walnut pesto spaghetti cold, straight from the fridge. The flavors of the pesto will have had time to meld together, creating a delicious and refreshing meal. Simply toss the cold spaghetti with a bit of additional olive oil, grated cheese, and chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Interesting Fact About Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
The walnut pesto spaghetti recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavor of walnuts with the freshness of basil and kale. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pesto by incorporating walnuts, which add a rich and nutty flavor to the dish. Additionally, the use of kale provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, making this dish both flavorful and nutritious. The versatility of this recipe allows for easy customization to suit individual preferences, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy experimenting with different variations of this walnut pesto spaghetti recipe!
Budget-Friendly Walnut Pesto Spaghetti
This walnut pesto spaghetti recipe offers a high degree of cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of kale and walnuts provides a nutritious and budget-friendly alternative to traditional pesto ingredients. The recipe's versatility allows for easy customization based on available ingredients, reducing the overall cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Is Walnut Pesto Spaghetti Healthy?
The walnut pesto spaghetti recipe is a relatively healthy dish with several nutritious ingredients. The recipe includes:
- Kale and basil, which are nutrient-dense leafy greens rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Walnuts, a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber
- Olive oil, known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory properties
- Garlic, which has potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The dish is relatively high in calories due to the olive oil, walnuts, and pecorino romano cheese
- The sodium content may be high depending on the amount of added salt and the sodium content of the cheese
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat or legume-based spaghetti to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the dish
- Reduce the amount of olive oil and cheese to lower the calorie and fat content
- Increase the proportion of kale to boost the nutrient density of the pesto
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes or sautéed zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a low-sodium cheese or reduce the amount of added salt to control sodium intake
Editor's Take on This Walnut Pesto Spaghetti Recipe
The walnut pesto spaghetti recipe is a delightful twist on the classic pesto pasta. The addition of kale and walnuts brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish, while the pecorino romano cheese adds a savory depth. The use of fresh basil and garlic creates a vibrant and aromatic pesto that perfectly coats the al dente spaghetti. This recipe is a wonderful balance of flavors and is sure to impress anyone looking for a delicious and wholesome pasta dish. It's a great way to incorporate more greens and nuts into a traditional favorite.
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Why trust this Walnut Pesto Spaghetti Recipe:
This walnut pesto spaghetti recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of kale and basil in the pesto provides a nutritious boost, while the addition of walnuts brings a satisfying crunch. The use of pecorino romano cheese adds a rich and savory element to the dish. With clear instructions and helpful tips, this recipe ensures a successful outcome. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your dining experience.
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