| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 495 | 35g | 5g | 39g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 12g | 0.9g |
I’ve always had a soft spot for pasta, but this Spaghetti with Sage and Walnut Pesto recipe is a definite game-changer. It’s the perfect fusion of my love for nourishing, home-cooked meals, and a nod to my Boston-based seafood palette with a slight hint of lemon zest. This fruit-based dish, invitingly aromatic and satisfyingly wholesome, brings a wonderful zest to every dinner table.
The allure of Sage and Walnut Pesto
Sage and Walnut Pesto, the heart of this beautiful recipe, comes with some astonishing health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, sage helps support memory and cognitive health, while the walnuts add a layer of heart-healthy fat. Paired with the immunity-boosting properties of lemon juice and zest, this pesto not only delivers an enchanting flavor but also encourages your well-being.
As a remarkable version of the classic Pesto Genovese, Walnut Pesto is grounded in simplicity. The earthy walnuts combined with salty Parmesan cheese and fragrant sage leaves create layers of flavor that satisfy without overwhelming.
A Tale of Two Cultures
The fusion of flavors in this Spaghetti with Sage and Walnut Pesto is reminiscent of the sumptuous meals lovingly prepared by my Irish forebears, interspersed with the nostalgia of New England’s seafood-driven cuisine. Every mouthful brings images of family gatherings, convivial Irish dinners and the unique flavors of Boston.
It’s a versatile dish that can be complemented by many other recipes. A good Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette, for example, would work well to balance the richness of the pesto. And let’s not forget, a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc makes a delightful pairing.
No matter how busy life gets, Laura, our son, and I always make it a point to sit down for dinner together. And believe me, nothing brings a family closer than a well-cooked meal. So go ahead, try this recipe, and relish in the beautiful simplicity of this dish.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 cup of sage leaves
- 1/2 cup of walnuts
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
Method
Step One
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step Two
In the meantime, prepare the sage and walnut pesto. In a food processor, combine the sage leaves, walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are roughly chopped.
Step Three
With the food processor still running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes creamy. You may add more oil if necessary.
Step Four
Next, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the pesto. Pulse a few more times to combine. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Step Five
Finally, toss the cooked spaghetti with the sage and walnut pesto. Be sure to mix well so every strand of spaghetti is coated with the flavorful pesto. Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish is best enjoyed warm.
