Creamy, comforting, and packed with rich nutty flavor, Penne with Creamy Walnut Sauce is an easy Italian-inspired pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes. This unique sauce blends toasted walnuts with cream, garlic, and Parmesan to create a silky texture that coats every piece of penne perfectly.
Walnut sauce—often associated with traditional northern Italian cooking—is a simple yet elegant alternative to tomato-based or Alfredo sauces. The finely blended walnuts add natural richness and depth, while a touch of cream keeps the sauce smooth without overpowering the pasta. It’s a great way to elevate pantry staples into something special.
This creamy walnut pasta is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying, and it also works beautifully for meatless Mondays or cozy dinner parties. The flavors are mild, balanced, and comforting, making it a hit with both adventurous eaters and picky pasta lovers.
Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can keep it classic, lighten it up, or customize it with proteins, herbs, or seasonal vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this penne with creamy walnut sauce is a simple, flavorful dish you’ll come back to again and again.
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Penne with Creamy Walnut Sauce
This Penne with Creamy Walnut Sauce is a rich, velvety pasta dish inspired by classic Italian flavors. Toasted walnuts are blended into a silky cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan, creating a nutty, luxurious coating for tender penne. It’s perfect for weeknight comfort or an elegant meatless dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Prepare the walnut sauce
In a food processor, blend walnuts and garlic until finely ground. Slowly add cream and milk, blending until smooth.
Heat the sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Pour in the walnut mixture and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently.
Add cheese & season
Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, adding pasta water a little at a time if needed.
Combine & serve
Toss cooked penne with the sauce until well coated. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor—don’t let them brown too much.
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Blend the sauce very smooth for a classic creamy texture.
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Add pasta water gradually to keep the sauce silky, not heavy.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Variations
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Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or cashew milk.
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Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp.
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Vegan option: Use plant-based cream, vegan Parmesan, and olive oil instead of butter.
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Extra flavor: Stir in lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Herb twist: Blend fresh basil or sage directly into the walnut sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 56
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
