CREAMY PENNE PASTA WITH WALNUTS

Creamy Penne Pasta with Walnuts image

My husband says I'm spoiling him when I prepare this recipe. Crunchy walnuts are a wonderful complement to the creamy sauce. You can serve this as an entree or side.-Cheryl Strahm, St. Louis, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon brandy
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the walnuts, garlic, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; saute 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat., Stir in brandy; cook over medium heat until liquid is evaporated. Stir in cream; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat; cook for 4-6 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. , Drain pasta; toss pasta and parsley with cream sauce. Garnish with cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 32g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein.