Nuts in Italian Pasta Dishes
There are a few types of nuts that are most commonly used with pasta in Italian cooking, these include:
- Almonds
- Chestnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Pine nuts
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
The most common 2 nut varieties used with pasta are walnuts and pine nuts. Pine nuts are the most popular choice, especially in pesto, followed by walnuts, which are frequently used in Northern Italian dishes. In contrast, almonds are often an ingredient in Southern Italian dishes.
Pine nuts are typically quite expensive, which can make them less accessible for everyday cooking. Fortunately, there are several good alternatives which you can grind, chop or break into pieces and use instead. Of course, the flavor of the finished dish will be a little different.
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Brazil nuts
32 Pasta with Nuts Recipes
1) Walnut Sauce Pasta Recipe from Liguria
This walnut sauce pasta also known as trofie con salsa di noci alla Genovese in Italian, is a traditional pesto pasta recipe from Liguria in Northwest Italy. Although it is not as famous as pesto Genovese (basil pesto), this walnut sauce is another delicious type of Ligurian pesto and a wondeful nut pasta recipe.
2) Sicilian Pesto Pasta (Pesto Alla Siciliana)
This Sicilian pesto pasta is a quick, no-cook recipe that offers a bright and fresh flavor. It’s made with traditional ingredients like tomatoes, ricotta, basil, and pine nuts, and can be prepared in the time it takes to cook the pasta. The result is a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for when you need something light but satisfying.
3) Asparagus Pasta with Walnuts Recipe from Marche
Asparagus is a staple in Italian spring cuisine, often used in dishes like risotto, soups, frittatas, and pasta. One traditional recipe from the Marche region in Central Italy pairs asparagus with walnuts which creates a simple and delicious nut pasta dish.
This recipe is easy to make, highly nutritious, and offers a rich spring combination of flavors. To make this vegetarian, you can easily substitute the Pecorino cheese with vegetarian parmesan.
4) Italian Basil Pesto Lasagna al Forno
If you’re a fan of pesto, you’re going to love this Italian basil pesto lasagne. This dish is a lighter twist on traditional lasagna and perfect for summer meals. It features layers of pasta, creamy béchamel, and flavorful basil pesto, creating a fresh and delicious combination.
5) Gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese
This gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese is a traditional dish from the Cuneo province in Piemonte, Northern Italy. It uses just five simple ingredients, including a rich cheese sauce and a toasted hazelnut topping that adds a delicious crunch. While Castelmagno is the traditional cheese used, you can substitute it with other varieties if needed.
6) Busiate pasta with Trapanese pesto
Trapanese pesto is a fresh and flavorful pesto sauce from the Western Sicilian city of Trapani. It combines almonds, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil to create a rich and balanced nut and pasta recipe. The addition of almonds gives the sauce a smooth, nutty texture that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
7) Sicilian ricotta pasta 2 ways (with nutmeg or walnuts)
Pasta with ricotta is a simple, easy-to-make Italian pasta recipe. My Sicilian hubby says it was one of his favorite dishes when he was a child! In Southern Italy, ricotta pasta is a popular go-to meal for busy mothers as it’s quick and delicious, and kids absolutely love it.
8) Traditional Basil Pesto
Fresh basil pesto, or pesto alla Genovese, is a traditional Italian recipe from Liguria and one of the most popular pasta sauces from Italy. It comes from Liguria and is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano, Pecorino, and olive oil. Pasta with basil pesto sauce can be served cold as a pasta salad or hot.
9) Homemade Chestnut Pasta with Pork and Cabbage
This hearty chestnut pasta dish is a traditional autumn and winter recipe from the Italian mountains. It’s made with seasonal ingredients like pork and cabbage that are perfect for the colder months. The homemade chestnut pasta adds a slightly sweet nutty flavor that compliments the pork and cabbage, creating a unique, nut pasta recipe.
10) Gnocchi with Gorgonzola
You can have this traditional Italian gnocchi with Gorgonzola ready in just 15 minutes. It requires only five ingredients, including soft, pillowy gnocchi, a creamy Gorgonzola sauce and a crunchy walnut topping. This Gorgonzola gnocchi is truly heaven on a plate!
11) Trofie Pasta with Rocket Pesto Recipe
When I first moved to Italy in 2003, I often made pesto recipes because they were so quick and delicious! This trofie pasta combines perfectly with homemade rocket pesto and toasted pine nuts. Using rocket instead of basil gives the pesto a unique, peppery flavor that adds an exciting twist.
12) Spaghetti with Scallops and Citrus Fruit
This spaghetti with scallops, almonds and citrus fruit is a traditional Italian dish often served on festive occasions like Italian Christmas and New Year. It’s full of fresh and rich flavors yet it’s very easy to make!
13) Pansotti Pasta with Walnut Sauce Recipe from Liguria
Pansotti pasta with walnut sauce is a traditional dish from the Italian Riviera in Liguria, Northwest Italy. This stuffed pasta, similar to cappelletti or tortellini, features a delightful filling of ricotta mixed with a variety of herbs and greens. It is topped with a rich sauce made from walnuts and pine nuts, creating a deliciously nutty flavor that perfectly complements the pasta.
14) Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Pasta
Roasted red pepper pesto with pasta offers a vibrant twist on traditional pesto, infusing the dish with a smoky, sweet flavor. The roasted red peppers blend seamlessly with fresh basil, garlic, and walnuts to create a creamy and fresh sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
15) Gnocchi alla Bava
This soft and delicate pillowy potato gnocchi pairs so well with the rich and creamy flavor of Fontina cheese. This dish is a wonderful representation of hearty mountain cuisine from Northern Italy. The gnocchi is smothered in a velvety cheese sauce and creates a heavenly combination of flavor.
16) Pasta Portofino recipe from Liguria
If you enjoy basil pesto, you’ll adore this Pasta Portofino recipe, which beautifully combines pesto with ripe tomatoes. It’s named after the charming fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera and is a super simple dish that is full of Italian summer flavors.
17) Oxtail Ragu Recipe from Rome
This Italian braised oxtail recipe is an iconic dish from Rome, rich in history and flavor. The oxtail is slow-cooked in a hearty tomato sauce until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. You can serve the oxtail pieces whole or shred the meat and add it to the sauce to make oxtail pasta.
18) Sicilian Ricotta and Pistachio Pasta Recipe
Two of the most important ingredients in the Sicilian kitchen are ricotta and pistachios. This vegetarian Sicilian ricotta and pistachio pasta is a delightful example of how these two staples come together to create a luxuriously creamy pasta.
19) Homemade Corzetti Pasta with Marjoram & Pine Nuts
This homemade corzetti pasta with marjoram and pine nuts is an elegant and flavorful traditional recipe from Liguria. This 5-star dish is made with just a handful of ingredients, showcasing the simplicity and beauty of classic Italian cooking.
20) Farfalle Pasta with Prawns and Orange
Farfalle pasta with orange-infused prawns, fennel, and almonds is a stunningly delicious dish that your guests are sure to adore. It’s light and summery and is a great choice for casual summer lunches or dinner parties.
21) Chestnut Maltagliati Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This chestnut pasta with a creamy mushroom sauce is not only easy to make but also packed with the best flavors of fall. The chestnut flour adds a nutty richness to the pasta, while the mushrooms provide a savory balance, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and seasonal meal.
22) Silk Handkerchief Pasta with Pesto
This homemade fazzoletti pasta with basil pesto is a wonderful combination of simple, fresh ingredients that Italians have enjoyed for centuries. If you try this authentic recipe, you’ll love how the flavors come together in such a satisfying way. Making everything from scratch makes the dish not only healthier but even more rewarding.
23) Sardine Pasta Recipe from Sicily
Sicilian pasta with sardines and wild fennel is a flavorful blend of ingredients from both Arab and Mediterranean influences, reflecting Sicily’s rich history. This historical dish uses ingredients and a recipe dating back to 800 AD, giving you a meal with rich Sicilian flavors and history.
24) Green Pasta Salad with Edible Flowers
This vibrant green pasta salad is not only fresh and delicious, but the addition of edible flowers makes it visually stunning as well. It’s the perfect springtime dish, ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish for special occasions like Mother’s Day. Your family and friends will love its beautiful presentation and wholesome flavors.
25) Mint Pesto with Pasta and Ricotta Cream
This fresh and creamy Italian linguine with mint pesto is the perfect dish for summer days when you want something light and refreshing. Easy to make, this contemporary recipe highlights the vibrant flavor of mint and pairs beautifully with pasta. It’s a great option when you are craving a light meal.
26) Pesto Pasta Liguria with Potatoes and Green Beans
This pesto pasta recipe with pine nuts from Liguria is a delightful combination of fresh basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans, creating a classic and flavorful dish. It’s typically made with traditional Ligurian pasta like corzetti, trofie, or trenette, but can also be enjoyed with other pasta types.
27) Matcha Pesto for Pasta
This matcha pesto recipe combines the traditions of Italian cooking and the Japanese who have been producing matcha since the 12th to create a unique and very healthy pesto. The blend of matcha, mint, basil, parsley, and pine nuts results in a vibrant and refreshing sauce perfect for pasta.
28) Gnocchi Gorgonzola and Radicchio
This gnocchi with gorgonzola and radicchio is a rich, comforting dish from Northern Italy, perfect for cold winter days. The soft, pillowy gnocchi pairs beautifully with the creamy gorgonzola, while the balsamic-infused caramelized radicchio adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the sauce.
29) Beetroot and Radicchio Pesto
This beetroot and radicchio pesto recipe is a vibrant and healthy twist on traditional pesto. The sweet beetroot beautifully balances the slightly bitter radicchio, creating a sweet-and-sour flavor combination. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it both delicious and nutritious.
30) Hazelnut Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta Cream
The hazelnut pasta I used in this rich and creamy recipe comes from the Langhe hills in Northern Italy, known for producing the world’s finest hazelnuts and being the birthplace of Nutella! This dish is full of nutty flavor, but you can enjoy it with regular pasta too—just don’t forget to add the hazelnuts for that perfect finishing touch.
31) Pasta with Mortadella and Pistachios
If you love mortadella, this authentic Italian pasta recipe is for you. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for family weeknights. However, this dish is also special enough to serve on holidays or when entertaining guests. The combination of mortadella and pistachios adds a rich and delicious flavor.
32) Chocolate and Walnut Sweet Pasta Recipe
This chocolate and walnut sweet pasta recipe from Umbria in Central Italy is a unique and easy-to-make dessert. It is often served during Halloween and Christmas Eve, but it’s a fantastic way to wow your guests any time of year. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts makes this pasta cake truly special.
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