Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Stilton Port and Walnut Pasta is not just a meal, it's a gourmet journey that combines the bold, tangy richness of Stilton cheese, the sophisticated warmth of port wine, and the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with its complex, sophisticated flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 100g Stilton cheese
- 50ml port wine
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat. Crumble the Stilton cheese into the pan and pour in the port wine.
- Gently stir the cheese and port mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, reserve some pasta water to help thin and emulsify it.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water. Immediately add the pasta to the Stilton port sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Use a high-quality, creamy Stilton for the most robust flavor. If Stilton is too strong, you can substitute with a milder blue cheese.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for creating a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Toasting Nuts: Watch your walnuts carefully when toasting. They can burn quickly, so keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant and golden.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, glossy texture. Add sparingly to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking when the sauce is hot and creamy. The flavors and texture are most vibrant straight from the pan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 60mg
