The enticing scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil is a sure way to awaken the senses, and that’s exactly how this delightful Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs begins. Picture yourself on a warm summer evening, the sun setting as you whip up a dish that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Using walnuts instead of traditional pine nuts, this delightful twist on classic pesto brings a rich, earthy flavor that’s perfect for anyone tired of the usual fast food routine.
What sets this dish apart is its light yet satisfying nature, making it a go-to for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Pair it with a simple salad or a glass of crisp white wine, and you’ve got a meal that feels special without the hassle. Best of all, it’s refined sugar-free and offers gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone at your table can indulge. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s destined to become a favorite in your home!
Why will you adore Walnut Pesto Pasta?
Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Unique Flavor Twist: By swapping pine nuts for walnuts, you'll enjoy a deeper, more earthy taste that redefines classic pesto.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve it to family or friends; its vibrant flavors will impress even the pickiest eaters!
Customizable: Add your favorite seasonal veggies or swap in other nuts for a personal touch.
Nutritional Benefits: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this dish keeps both your taste buds and wellness in check.
Additionally, for those looking for a lighter meal option, you might also enjoy our delightful zucchini noodles.
Walnut Pesto Pasta Ingredients
• Elevate your dish with these essentials!
For the Pesto
- Fresh Parsley – Provides a bright and herby flavor; can be substituted with cilantro for a different taste.
- Fresh Basil – Adds aromatic sweetness; substitute with spinach if basil is unavailable.
- Garlic – Enhances flavor depth; fresh garlic is preferred for potency and can be adjusted based on preference.
- Walnuts – Substitute traditional pine nuts for a deeper, earthier flavor; cashews or almonds are good alternatives.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) – Adds richness and umami flavor; nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavors; sea salt works well as an alternative.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat; freshly ground is best for potency.
- Olive Oil – Essential for emulsifying the pesto; avocado oil can be used if desired.
For the Pasta and Topping
- Penne Pasta – The main carbohydrate source; gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds a crunchy topping; regular breadcrumbs can be used for a different texture.
How to Make Walnut Pesto Pasta
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Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a medium pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until the edges are golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning!
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Toast Breadcrumbs: Stir in the panko, along with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is golden and toasty. Set aside to cool.
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Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
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Make Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh parsley, basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until crumbly, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
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Combine: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly made walnut pesto and reserved pasta water. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy, adjusting the consistency to your liking.
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Serve: Plate the pesto pasta and liberally top with the toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Optional: Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Walnut Pesto Pasta
Fridge: Store leftover Walnut Pesto Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best flavor retention, avoid mixing in the crunchy garlic breadcrumbs until you're ready to serve.
Freezer: If you need to freeze, keep the walnut pesto and cooked pasta separate. The pasta can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, while the pesto stays fresh for about 6 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta and pesto overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Serving Tip: For best results, always top with fresh toasted breadcrumbs just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch!
Expert Tips for Walnut Pesto Pasta
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Watch the Garlic: Sauté garlic until just golden; burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin your pesto’s flavor.
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Taste as You Go: Always adjust seasonings in your pesto. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference in your Walnut Pesto Pasta.
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Pasta Water is Key: Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. It helps to achieve that creamy consistency when mixing with pesto, so don't skip this step!
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Customize Your Nuts: If you're out of walnuts, feel free to use pecans or almonds. This flexibility keeps your Walnut Pesto Pasta fresh and exciting!
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Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente! Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose texture, especially when tossed with the creamy pesto.
Walnut Pesto Pasta Variations
Feel free to make this delightful dish your own with these fun twists and substitutions!
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Nutty Swap: Try hazelnuts or pecans in place of walnuts for a distinct flavor profile. Each nut adds a unique twist to the pesto.
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Vegan Delight: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative to create a fully plant-based version that’s still creamy and delicious.
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Veggie Booster: Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and vibrant color—perfect for turning up the flavor!
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Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free penne pasta to accommodate dietary needs while enjoying all the flavors of this tasty dish. Your family won’t even notice the difference!
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Herb Variations: Swap parsley and basil for fresh arugula or baby spinach for a peppery kick; it’s all about your personal taste!
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Heat It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
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Citrus Zing: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of lemon zest in the pesto can brighten up the flavors and enhance that fresh taste.
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Creamy Indulgence: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving for a richer, creamier pasta that feels indulgent yet light.
What to Serve with Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs?
Elevate your dinner table with delightful accompaniments that enhance the vibrant flavors of this dish.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance, cutting through the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery treats married with fragrant garlic complement the pesto beautifully and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies, such as zucchini and bell peppers, add color and additional nutrients, creating a wholesome, well-rounded meal.
- Grilled Shrimp: Juicy, grilled shrimp brings a touch of elegance and protein, pairing wonderfully with the earthy walnut flavors.
Imagine enjoying your pasta with a side of roasted veggies that caramelize beautifully in the oven, or perhaps sipping on a nice chilled white wine to cleanse the palate between bites. Each pairing is designed to enhance your dining experience, making your meal not just food, but an unforgettable moment.
Make Ahead Options
These Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the walnut pesto and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To maintain its vibrant color and flavor, drizzle a little oil on top before sealing. The crunchy garlic breadcrumbs can also be prepared ahead; just store them in a separate container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep their crispiness intact. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, simply cook the pasta fresh, toss it with the pesto and reserved pasta water, and top with the breadcrumbs for a delightful, easy dinner that feels gourmet with minimal effort!
Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for the walnut pesto?
Absolutely! For the best flavors, select vibrant, fresh basil and parsley, with leaves that are bright green and free from dark spots. Look for firm, unblemished walnuts—ideally, they should have a light color and a fresh, nutty aroma. If using garlic, choose bulbs that are plump and heavy, with no signs of sprouting.
How should I store leftovers of the Walnut Pesto Pasta?
Very important! Store any leftover Walnut Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crunchy garlic breadcrumbs fresh and crispy, store them separately in a different container until you're ready to serve the pasta again.
Can I freeze Walnut Pesto Pasta?
Absolutely! For the best results, keep the pesto and pasta separate before freezing. The cooked penne pasta can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, while the walnut pesto is good for about 6 months. To freeze, place them in zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a pan.
What should I do if my pesto is too thick?
If your walnut pesto turns out too thick, don't worry! Simply add a little reserved pasta water—1 tablespoon at a time—while mixing. This helps achieve that creamy consistency you’re looking for. If you want a smoother texture, you can also blend in more olive oil until you reach your desired creaminess.
Is this dish suitable for people with allergies?
The Walnut Pesto Pasta is refined sugar-free and can be gluten-free by using appropriate pasta! However, if someone in your household has allergies, be sure to check the ingredient labels carefully, especially for the walnuts and Parmesan. You can easily substitute dairy with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Can I add vegetables to my Walnut Pesto Pasta?
Very much so! Adding seasonal veggies like sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted cherry tomatoes can elevate your dish while boosting its nutritional value. Simply cook the vegetables until they’re tender and mix them in with the pesto pasta. The more the merrier!
Irresistibly Fresh Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the panko, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until golden and toasty. Set aside to cool.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine the parsley, basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until crumbly, then slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with walnut pesto and reserved pasta water until evenly coated and creamy.
- Plate the pesto pasta and top with toasted breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.
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