WALNUT & PEAR SPAGHETTI

Walnut & Pear Spaghetti image

Provided by bluemoon downunder

Time 20m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

200 g spaghetti
200 g baby spinach leaves, washed well and roughly chopped
50 g gorgonzola (I don't like either of these, so I used 1 tablespoon parmesan and 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt) or 50 g blue cheese (I don't like either of these, so I used 1 tablespoon parmesan and 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt)
1/2 ripe pears, peeled, cored and very thinly sliced or 1 granny smith apple, cored and very thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 cup walnuts, shelled, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

Three quarters fill a large pot with water, bring to the boil, add the spaghetti and cook till al dente (about 8 minutes).
Drain the spaghetti being careful to RESERVE SOME OF THE COOKING WATER.
Return the hot spaghetti to the pot and, over a low heat, add the baby spinach leaves and cheese and stir until the baby spinach leaves wilt and the cheese starts to melt; add a little of the pasta water and continue to stir. (When I made this using yoghurt instead of cheese, I added very little water; judge how much water to use by the consistency).
Add the pear (or apple), walnuts, thyme and sage, stir well, and allow to warm through.
Drizzle with lemon juice, season to taste with freshly ground black pepper and serve hot.
Notes: For a smoother sauce, in a small pan, over a very low heat, melt the cheese with some of the pasta water and stir in the pear (or apple); then stir in the spaghetti and baby spinach leaves, until they are well coated; then add the lemon juice and gently fold in the walnuts, thyme and sage.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 751.7, Fat 28.5, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 18.8, Sodium 434.7, Carbohydrate 100.3, Fiber 9.3, Sugar 7.5, Protein 27.8