Pasta with ricotta and walnuts: creamy and crunchy
A timeless classic, pasta with ricotta and walnuts is a meal course that, in its simplicity, encompasses surprising versatility. The creaminess of ricotta, meets the crunchiness of walnuts, creating an irresistible contrast of textures. The delicate flavor of the ricotta cheese goes perfectly with the slightly bitter note of the walnuts, while a pinch of nutmeg enhances all the flavors: a dish that can be both a comfort food and an elegant course for special occasions. The recipe for creamy pasta with ricotta cheese and walnuts is very easy to prepare; we explain the procedure step by step.
Ingredients
Materials
- Frying pan
- Pan
- Knife
- Bowl
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Preparation
First, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water.
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in olive oil for a few minutes.
Chop the walnuts, add them to the pan and stir. Then toast them quickly.
Mix the ricotta in a bowl with a sprinkling of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon of cooking water and a pinch of salt.
Add the ricotta cream to the pan with the walnuts. Stir, turn down the heat, and let it season for a few minutes.
Drain pasta al dente, keeping some of the cooking water aside. Pour pasta into pan and mix all ingredients well (add cooking water if necessary).
The pasta with ricotta and walnuts is ready!
Observations
How long does pasta with ricotta and walnuts keep?
Maximum 2 days in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. Heat it in a pan, adding a little hot water to make it creamy again.
What types of pasta are best?
For ricotta cream with walnuts, it is preferable to use short pasta such as tortiglioni, rigatoni, fusilli, penne or paccheri. However, you can also prepare this dish with spaghetti, linguine or bigoli.
What to do if the ricotta sauce is too thick?
If the ricotta sauce is too thick, add a little cooking water to make a creamier dish.
How to chop the walnuts?
You can chop them coarsely (as we did) or you can puree them in a blender if you want a smoother sauce.
Can I add other ingredients to pasta with ricotta and walnuts?
Yes. You can add grated Parmesan cheese for whipping or herbs such as basil or sage.
Can I make the ricotta and walnut sauce in advance?
Yes. Once ready, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator (maximum 2 days).
What can I use instead of nutmeg?
You can also prepare the cottage cheese sauce with black pepper.
