Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this pasta dish featuring a rich and potently flavored blue cheese sauce. With just 10 minutes of simmering, the combination of blue cheese and cream creates a creamy and decadent sauce that elevates this simple dish to new heights. The slightly bitter radicchio adds a contrasting flavor that plays off the richness of the sauce, while toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch. Choose a mild blue cheese or opt for a slightly sweet variety like Gorgonzola Dolce to suit your taste preferences. Get ready to savor the bold flavors and velvety texture of this irresistible pasta dish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 head radicchio (10 ounces), cored and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (½ cup)
- 1 pound medium pasta shells
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
PREPARATIONS:
- In a 12-inch skillet, simmer the heavy cream and minced garlic over medium-high heat, whisking often, until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the radicchio and ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese. Continue cooking until the radicchio wilts and the blue cheese melts, about 3 to 5 minutes. Cover the skillet and set aside.
- Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it is al dente.
- Reserve 1½ cups of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the cream mixture and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water to the pot with the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add the remaining reserved cooking water gradually to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Sprinkle individual portions with the toasted walnuts and the remaining ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese before serving.
TIPS:
- Choose a mild blue cheese, such as Stella, or a slightly sweet blue cheese like Gorgonzola dolce, based on your preference for intensity of flavor.
- Toast the walnuts before chopping them to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
YIELD:
- This recipe serves 4 to 6.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 874
- Fat: 74g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Cholesterol: 152mg
- Sodium: 486mg
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Savor the luxurious flavors of this pasta dish featuring a rich blue cheese sauce simmered with cream. In just 10 minutes, the combination of blue cheese and cream creates a velvety and intensely flavored sauce that takes this dish to a whole new level. The slightly bitter radicchio adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the sauce, while toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Whether you prefer mild blue cheese or a slightly sweet variety like Gorgonzola dolce, the bold flavors of the cheese shine through in every bite. This pasta dish is a true indulgence, perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something truly decadent. Don’t forget to sprinkle each serving with toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese to add an extra layer of texture and flavor. Treat yourself to this irresistible pasta dish and let the creamy blue cheese sauce envelop your taste buds with its luxurious goodness
