Quick Walnut Sauce Pasta Recipe

Dinner tonight can be surprisingly delicious and ready in under 30 minutes. This quick walnut sauce pasta recipe uses pantry staples and transforms into a rich and flavorful sauce that rivals anything from a fancy restaurant. Plus, walnuts are packed with healthy fats and protein, making this a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Walnut Sauce Pasta Recipe

• Weeknight win: Short on time? This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Pantry perfect: No need for a grocery run. Utilize ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Restaurant-worthy flavor: Impress your taste buds (and maybe even some guests) with a surprisingly rich and complex sauce.
• Creamy without the cream: Enjoy a luxuriously creamy sauce without the added fat of heavy cream.
• Budget friendly: Skip the expensive takeout and create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Leftover magic: The leftovers taste just as good the next day, making for an easy and delicious lunch.
• Walnut power: Pack in protein and healthy fats with the addition of heart-healthy walnuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to Make Quick Walnut Sauce Pasta with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente (slightly firm to the bite).

Whip Up the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, add the walnuts to your blender or food processor. Process until they become finely ground.

Creamy Magic

Add the soy milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the blender with the walnuts. Blend until you have a smooth and creamy sauce.

Warm and Toss

In a separate pan, heat the sauce over medium-low heat. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it (reserving a bit of the starchy pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later). Add the pasta to the warmed sauce and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Serve and enjoy!

Plate up your delicious vegan pasta creation and enjoy it immediately.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Toasting Triumph: Walnuts pack a flavor punch, but toasting them beforehand intensifies it even further. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Nutty Alternatives: While walnuts are the star, feel free to experiment with other options like pecans or cashews. They’ll offer slightly different flavor profiles, keeping things interesting.
• Milk Matters: Choose your favorite plant-based milk! Soy milk works well, but for a richer texture, try cashew milk or oat milk.
• Starchy Savior: Reserved some pasta water? Don’t toss it! If your sauce seems a bit too thick after tossing with the pasta, gradually add a splash or two of the starchy water to create a perfect creamy consistency.
• Hidden Veggie Hero: This recipe is a great base for sneaking in extra veggies. Saute chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini with a touch of olive oil while the pasta cooks. Then, toss them in with the pasta and sauce for a complete and nutritious meal.
• Lentil Love: Want to add some protein power? Throw in a handful of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a satisfying boost.
• Leftover Magic: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! The leftovers hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days. Simply reheat and enjoy for a quick and delicious lunch.

How to Store Quick Walnut Sauce Pasta

This vegan walnut pasta is so good, you might just find yourself making a double batch. With proper storage, you can enjoy this tasty dish again for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Here’s how to make sure your leftovers stay restaurant-worthy:

• Let it Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure your pasta is completely cool at room temperature. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Separate is Key: The sauce and pasta are best stored separately. The pasta can dry out if left submerged in the sauce for too long.
• Airtight Advantage: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container. This will prevent it from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.
• Sauce Savvy: Store leftover sauce in a separate airtight container.
• Fridge Friendly: Both the pasta and sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating Refresh: When reheating, add a splash of plant-based milk or reserved pasta water to the sauce to bring back its creamy consistency. Toss everything together until heated through, and enjoy!

What to Serve With Quick Walnut Sauce Pasta

Your creamy vegan walnut sauce pasta is a delicious masterpiece, but sometimes a complete meal needs a little something extra. Here are some fantastic vegan options to complement your pasta dish:

You don’t always need a fancy option, a nice piece of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a refreshing vinaigrette drizzled over, will be delicious.

Try a side dish of roasted vegetables, vibrant colored veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Potato wedges, roasted potatoes or even accordion potatoes are all delicious and try a side of coleslaw with them .

More Easy Vegan Recipes for You to Try at Home

• Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
• Easy Sesame Soba Noodles
• Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
• Vegan Minestrone Soup
• Vegan Pumpkin Mac n Cheese