If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with a creamy, comforting texture, Blue Cheese Pasta with Walnuts is your next kitchen adventure. This recipe elevates simple pasta by infusing it with the sharp tang of blue cheese and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and herbal notes, all brought together in a luscious cream sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, this pasta offers a gourmet feel with minimal fuss.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

What makes this Blue Cheese Pasta with Walnuts a dependable recipe for cooks of all skill levels? First, the ingredient list is straightforward and accessible, featuring pantry staples and fresh herbs you can find year-round. The method is clear and broken down into manageable steps, so you won’t feel overwhelmed at any point. Plus, the use of heavy cream ensures a rich sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta, while walnuts add texture and a toasty depth that complements the blue cheese beautifully.

Every step is tested to guarantee a creamy, balanced dish that’s neither too sharp nor too bland. The rosemary adds an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the cheese. If you’re curious about how to tweak this recipe, I’ll share some alternatives and tips in the notes section so you can personalize it without losing its essence.

What We’re Using

10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, velvety sauce)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (adds a fragrant herbal note; see note 2)
½ cup blue cheese, at room temperature (see note 1 for alternatives)
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted (for crunch and nuttiness)

Appliances & Accessories

Large pot – to boil the pasta
Colander – for draining pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan – to prepare the sauce
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce
Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
Cheese grater or knife – to crumble the blue cheese if needed

The Method for Blue Cheese Pasta with Walnuts

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

While the pasta cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the chopped rosemary and stir for 1-2 minutes to infuse the cream with the herb’s flavor.

Step 4: Add the Blue Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the room temperature blue cheese. Whisk gently until the cheese melts into the cream, creating a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta in the creamy blue cheese mixture. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Walnuts

Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the pasta and give it one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with extra rosemary or a few more walnut pieces for presentation if you like. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

No-Store Runs Needed

Heavy cream: You likely have this in your fridge; it’s perfect for sauces and desserts alike.
Walnuts: Keep a stash in your pantry; they’re great for salads, baking, or snacking.
Fresh rosemary: If you don’t have fresh, dried rosemary can be a substitute (though fresh is best for aroma).
Blue cheese: Can be found at most grocery stores, and a little goes a long way.
Pasta and salt: Pantry staples in every kitchen.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

Blue Cheese Alternatives: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try mixing in feta or goat cheese for a milder tang. Just remember this will change the flavor profile.
Rosemary Notes: The fresh rosemary adds an earthy, pine-like aroma that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese and cream. If you want a different herbal note, thyme or sage could also work well.
Walnut Substitutes: Pecans or toasted pine nuts make wonderful alternatives, lending different nutty flavors but similar crunch.
Pasta Shape: Short, ridged pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne help hold the creamy sauce better than thin strands.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

This Blue Cheese Pasta with Walnuts is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and toast the walnuts a day ahead. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it over low heat, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Cook the pasta fresh to keep the perfect texture, then toss with the warmed sauce and walnuts before serving.

Reader Q&A

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?

Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your cup of tea, feta or goat cheese are excellent substitutes that provide a nice tang without the strong pungency. You can also try a mild gorgonzola, which is a bit creamier and less sharp.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on the creamy texture and flavor of blue cheese and heavy cream, so making it vegan would require some swaps. You could try using a plant-based cream alternative and a vegan blue cheese substitute, though the flavor will differ. Toasted walnuts will still add great texture.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Short, ridged pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because their grooves trap the creamy sauce. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, which won’t hold the sauce as well.

Try These Next

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta With Cottage Cheese – A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish with a smooth, cheesy sauce.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi Primavera With Lemon Parmesan Drizzle – A quick and easy roasted vegetable gnocchi that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
Roasted Garlic Green Beans Lemon Almond Crumbs – A perfect side to complement any pasta dish, featuring tender green beans with a crunchy topping.

Before You Go

Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning as you go to ensure every bite of your Blue Cheese Pasta with Walnuts is perfectly balanced. This dish is all about layering flavors — the creamy sauce, the fresh rosemary, and the toasted walnuts all play their part. If you’re new to cooking with blue cheese, start with a little less and add more as you get comfortable with its bold taste.

Enjoy making and sharing this rich, flavorful pasta that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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