Pasta & Pine Nuts
Description
This elegant yet simple pasta dish features a velvety white wine and heavy cream sauce, enriched with butter and fresh herbs. The toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty depth, while the shallots provide a subtle sweetness. It is a quick weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests. The sauce is versatile; while perfect for tossing with pasta, it also pairs beautifully with fish or chicken. Creamy, comforting, and ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the chopped shallot and saut&# 195;© for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
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Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and butter, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly pour in the white wine, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
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Stir in the toasted pine nuts, dill, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water.
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Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34.0g53%
- Saturated Fat 20.9g105%
- Cholesterol 98.2mg33%
- Sodium 106.1mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 16.0g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
- Sugars 3.3g
- Protein 3.2g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore consistency.
This sauce is excellent served over grilled fish or chicken breast for a heartier meal. You can also add cooked spinach or roasted mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown for maximum flavor, but watch them closely as they burn quickly. Ensure your roux is cooked out before adding liquids to avoid a chalky texture.