Rich Walnut Cream Pasta Inspired by the Movie ‘Eat Pray Love’
[Mood & Cook #2] When Cuisine Meets Cinema: Pasta from ‘Eat Pray Love’
Remember how your stomach rumbled while watching ‘Eat Pray Love,’ especially during those mouth-watering Italian scenes featuring pasta? Inspired by that culinary magic, I’ve recreated a creamy pasta dish with the rich flavor of Alfredo sauce. The soul of this pasta lies in the perfect blend of ‘Parmesan cheese + cream + butter,’ but I’ve elevated it by adding nutty walnuts for a healthier, more complex taste. It boasts a richer flavor than Carbonara, and the subtle nuttiness beautifully balances the creaminess, making it a hit with adults too! While surprisingly easy to make, it delivers a sophisticated presentation and taste worthy of a fine dining restaurant. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a home party! For more detailed cooking tips, recipes, and class information, please visit my blog: http://blog.naver.com/mood_cook/221076388379
Pasta Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 100g Penne pasta
- 3 Shiitake mushrooms
- 1 handful Oyster mushrooms (or other mushrooms of your choice)
- 1 Onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 15g Bacon
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Creamy Walnut Sauce
- 40g Walnuts (or chopped mixed nuts)
- 200ml Milk
- 180ml Heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 40g Walnuts (or chopped mixed nuts)
- 200ml Milk
- 180ml Heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the shiitake mushrooms into strips about 0.7cm thick. Since mushrooms shrink when cooked, slicing them a bit thicker will give them a better texture.
Step 2
Slice the onion into strips approximately 0.5cm thick.
Step 3
Mince the garlic or slice it thinly. Mincing releases a stronger flavor, while slicing offers a milder aroma. Choose based on your preference.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to make the star of this dish: the ‘Creamy Walnut Sauce’! Using not just walnuts but a mix of nuts like almonds or pine nuts will add even more depth and a richer, nuttier flavor. You’ll be surprised by how delicious this unique combination of cream and nuts is!
Step 5
Grind the prepared walnuts (or mixed nuts) finely using a food processor or blender. Aim for a slightly coarse texture rather than a completely smooth powder.
Step 6
In a pot, combine the milk and heavy cream. Add the ground nuts and salt. Gently heat and stir until well combined and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt as needed. This creates your flavorful walnut cream sauce!
Step 7
When cooking the penne pasta, add about 1% salt to the boiling water. This seasons the pasta itself beautifully. Penne, with its tube shape, is excellent for capturing sauce inside, making every bite incredibly flavorful, especially with rich cream sauces.
Step 8
Heat a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, minced garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Adding a knob of butter will enhance the flavor.
Step 9
Pour the prepared walnut cream sauce and grated Parmesan cheese into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add the cooked penne pasta and continue to cook over medium heat for another 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce. Finally, turn off the heat, stir in freshly ground black pepper to taste, mix everything together, and serve.
Step 10
While pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient, using a block of Parmesan and grating it fresh will significantly elevate the flavor. If possible, opt for fresh cheese for an even more delicious result!
Step 11
For a final touch, top the pasta with crispy fried bacon. The salty crunch of the bacon provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta. Feel free to add other toppings like cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs to personalize your dish and make it truly your own.
