A deliciously simple pasta dish with lots of flavour, gorgonzola pasta is a wonderful option for a midweek lunch or a quick and tasty evening meal. Incredibly easy to make and hard not to fall head over heels in love with, this is one creamy pasta recipe that you'll want to master.
With the creamy gorgonzola sauce, the crunchy pine nuts, the richness of the grated parmesan and white wine and the soft crunch of the al dente pasta, this recipe has everything you could want in a simple pasta dish.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Creamy pasta dishes don't come much better than this recipe.
- It's a very easy recipe.
- The cream sauce is rich and delicious, with so many great flavours. If you're a blue cheese lover you'll be in heaven!
- You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes.
Equipment you'll need to make this recipe
There are a few key items you'll need before you start making this gorgonzola pasta recipe:
- Frying pan ā a small frying pan is needed to toast your pine nuts.
- Large pan ā you'll need a large pot to cook up all the wonderful ingredients that will form the base of this pasta dish. I recommend going with a heavy-bottom cast iron pan.
- Pasta tongs ā if you're using a long form of pasta, it can be difficult to remove it from the pan without making a mess. That's when pasta tongs come in handy!
How to make gorgonzola pasta
Toast the pine nuts. Set aside.
Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain. Set aside.
Fry the shallots in butter until softened.
Add the wine, let it sizzle until the liquid has reduced by half. Then add the stock and let it bubble for a few minutes.
Stir in the cream.
Melt chunks of blue cheese in the sauce.
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce.
Mix the past and sauce together.
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and finely chopped parsley.
Give it a stir and serve immediately. Enjoy!
What to serve with gorgonzola pasta
Sides
Green salad
A fresh green salad makes for an excellent pairing with pasta ā particularly the creamy kind of pasta that really benefits from a light, refreshing side. Try an antipasto salad, pumpkin and beetroot salad or a rocket salad, all of which would be absolutely delicious when served alongside gorgonzola pasta.
Bread
Fancy a hearty meal ā full Italian style? Pasta and bread does sound like a carb on carb nightmare for some, but if you feel like going all out and indulging, a side of fresh crunchy bread is hard to beat. Regular garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread or pesto stuffed bread are all great options.
Try my homemade chia bread for a lighter alternative.
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Wine pairing
With a heavy, creamy pasta dish, you want a wine that can cut through the creaminess while complementing the richness of flavors. I recommend an Italian or German Riesling, or an Italian Pinot Grigio.
Dessert
Italian cooking got you in the mood for an Italian dessert? You can't go wrong with a cannoli. Or you could go all out and plump for a limoncello cheesecake!
For something on the lighter side, go for some zesty lemon drizzle cupcakes.
Variations to this recipe
- This recipe is adaptable ā you can use any type of pasta you prefer. The likes of penne pasta, tortellini, tagliatelle, spaghetti and fettuccini are ideal.
- Get creative with your cheese choices ā gorgonzola is delicious, but you can use any other type of blue cheese can be used to make the sauce, such as stilton, roquefort, or cambozola.
- Add fresh spinach at the same time as the parmesan for extra green goodness. You can also use frozen spinach ā just make sure you thaw it or you'll end up with a watery cheese sauce.
- You can add any other variety of vegetables to this pasta dish. Options include cherry tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, broad beans and peas.
- You can also add black olives ā they complement the flavour of gorgonzola pasta sauce perfectly.
Popular substitutions
- Not a fan of pine nuts or can't get hold of them? No worries. There are plenty of good alternatives that you can use. Chopped walnuts, for example, make an excellent substitute for pine nuts, as do cashews, almonds and pistachios. For extra crunch, you can also toast them before cooking starts.
- Feel free to omit the butter in place of olive oil if you prefer your pasta sauces a little less less creamy.
- You can replace the shallots with white onions or red onions. You could even add spring onions later on in the cooking process if you prefer.
- I've gone with parsley as the herb of choice for this dish, but feel free to use thyme, oregano, basil, sage or something similar.
- Add chicken to the pasta if you fancy a meatier dish, or you can try out this Chicken And Chorizo Pasta recipe.
- If you can't get hold of parmigiano reggiano, mature cheddar cheese is a decent substitute.
Top tips
- Remember to reserve some pasta water when you drain the pasta. You can use it to thicken the creamy sauce out if need be. It also helps the sauce to stick to the pasta.
- Don't forget to slightly toast the pine nuts at the start of the recipe. The wonderful nutty crunch brings an extra dimension to this recipe.
What is gorgonzola?
It's a strong cheese from the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Made from unskimmed cow's milk, gorgonzola is one of Italy's most famous cheeses and one of the oldest types of blue cheese in the world.
Gorgonzola is so old that nobody knows its exact origins. Cheesemakers make this pungent cheese by adding Penicillium. Then, as the cheese matures, the Penicillium produces the iconic blue and green veins in the cheese.
When gorgonzola is young, it's soft and creamy with a hint of acidity. As it matures, it takes on a more crumbly, firm texture and a strong piquant taste that can totally transform dishes.
How do you store gorgonzola pasta?
Gorgonzola pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When stored this way, it should last for 3-4 days.
Can you freeze gorgonzola pasta?
It's not a great idea. If you freeze gorgonzola pasta, the cheese sauce will lose its smooth silky texture. You'll also lose the wonderful richness of the dish.
How many people does this dish serve?
This gorgonzola recipe serves four people, although it can easily be adapted to serve less. Simply halve the ingredients below if you are cooking for two.
Of course, if you're cooking for a large dinner party, you can also scale this recipe up by doubling the ingredients below.
What wine should I use for this recipe?
Any decent medium bodied white wine is fine. Cooking wine shouldn't be really cheap ā it should be good enough to drink, otherwise don't cook with it. Having said that, don't use an expensive bottle of wine to cook with... save it for drinking!
A Pinot Grigio or Riesling are both ideal white wine choices.
More delicious pasta recipes
Fancy whipping up some more midweek pasta sensations? I've got some delicious inspiration for you:
- Chicken and leek pasta bake ā another super simple pasta bake thatās ideal as a healthy, easy meal during a busy week. The flavours are simple yet work so well together
- Sausage pasta bake ā it doesn't get simpler nor more deliciously comforting than this. An incredibly satisfying one tray wonder, once you've got the hang of this sausage bake recipe you'll want to make it again and again.
- Chicken pesto pasta ā with a fresh and fabulous flavor, this easy chicken pasta dish is a great recipe choice all year round.
- Gluten free spaghetti bolognese ā rich, tasty and super easy to make, this gluten free recipe is perfect for those who are fed up with feeling bloated after eating pasta.
- Cajun chicken pasta ā chicken pasta with a difference! The sensational smoky flavors of this dish make it a memory meal. Plus, it's extremely quick to make from start to finish.
What would you serve with this Gorgonzola Pasta?
š Recipe
Gorgonzola Pasta with Pine Nuts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 portions 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This gorgonzola and pine nut pasta recipe is a heavenly combination. Combine delicious Italian gorgonzola cheese with penne pasta and fresh herbs. Enhance flavours with shallots and dry white wine. Enjoy with whichever pasta you prefer.
Ingredients
- 50g (6 tbsp) pine nuts
- 600g (21oz) pasta
- 28g (2 tbsp) butter
- 3 shallots, finely chopped
- 180ml (Ā½ cup) white wine
- 180ml (Ā½ cup) vegetable stock
- 375ml (1 Ā½ cups) double / heavy cream
- 150g (5oz) Gorgonzola cheese
- 50g (2oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 14g (4 tbsp) parsley, finely chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts by adding them to a hot, dry frying pan and stir continuously until golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat.Ā
- Add the shallots and cook for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.Ā
- Pour in the wine and let it sizzle for about 5 minutes or until it has reduced by half.Ā
- Stir in the stock and cream and let it bubble for 2 minutes.Ā
- Break the Gorgonzola up into smaller pieces and drop it in the creamy sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted.Ā
- Stir in the parmesan. Let the sauce bubble for 3 minutes.
- Tip the cooked pasta into the pan and mix until the pasta is completely covered in sauce.Ā
- Sprinkle with parsley and season to taste. Serve immediately with a green salad and bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer - penne, tortellini, tagliatelle, spaghetti, fettuccini - you name it!
- Feel free to experiment with other types of blue cheese to make the sauce, be it stilton, roquefort, or cambozola.Ā
- If you donāt like pine nuts or canāt get hold of them, walnuts make an excellent alternative. For extra crunch, you can toast them too before cooking starts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 706
- Sugar: 4.5 g
- Sodium: 513.6 mg
- Fat: 30.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 17.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 80.5 g
- Fiber: 4.4 g
- Protein: 23.7 g
- Cholesterol: 72.2 mg
Natalie Gillham
I'd serve this with a side salad and garlic bread.
Tracy Barber
I'd serve on a bed of wilted spinach with some roasted mini plum tomatoes and garlic bread
Rebecca Beesley
I reckon it would be fabulous with a green leafy salad and italian dressing.
Chantel L
Iād serve with avocado topped bruschetta š
Lydia Houghton
Salmon fillet and garlic mushrooms.
Natalie Crossan
A lovely rocket salad š
Patricia Barrett
A nice glass of wine and some garlic bread.
Kerry W
I'd serve it with rocket and mini corn on the cob!
Nata Sloam
I would keep it simple and just serve with a green salad and glass of wine.
Susan B
I would serve the pasta with a tossed green salad and crusty bread.
Kim W
Warm garlic bread. Often the simple things are the best.
Amy Bondoc
Garlic bread
Hazel Rea
I would serve this with a crisp green salad.
Anna Wood
This would be amazing with Salad and Garlic Bread
Lisa J
Iād serve it with some salad leaves and some sort of walnut dressing I think.
James Travis
I would serve it with Bacon, Salad and Garlic bread
Emma Wolski
Some gorgeous fresh bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
Sheri Darby
Garlic bread and a tomato salad
Deborah Hambleton
I'd serve it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad
Troy Easton
Hot Cheese Sauce.
Catherine Barton
Pesto and cauliflower, lovely!
Claire Driver
Green beans
Patricia Avery
I'd serve it with fresh tomatoes, cucumber and beetroot, preferably harvested fresh from our organic garden
Nicky
Must try this, love cheesey recipes!
Andrea Dimmick
this looks tasty, i only use seeds in granola usually.
Dawn
Garlic bread and a cold glass of cider
Ursula Hunt
I would serve it with a green salad
sima halimi
Garlic bread and a glass of red wine
MICHELLE O'NEILL
Garlic bread
Robin Horn
Salad and homemade bread with butter, yum!
Chris Andrews
What would you serve with this Gorgonzola Pasta? salad and cheesy garlic bread
Adrian Bold
I'd serve it with a rocket salad and garlic bread.
Jo m welsh
Iād serve with some salad and I canāt resist garlic bread with pasta
Emilia Nastaly-Howard
Veggie meatballs
Sam Stevens
I would serve flaked salmon. Lovely.
Alice Gilkes
I would serve some of my homemade meatballs with this pasta.
Carolyn E
I think a simple spinach salad with red onion and lemon would be an amazing accompaniment to this.
Paul Bingham
Smoked bacon
Wendy Baker
Garlic bread and a green salad
Mandy Doherty
Bacon and spinach
Mark Fridlington
Chicken and leek pasta bake sounds a delicious recipe that I would like to try.
Alice lightning
Garlic bread and fresh salad
claire woods
Garlic bread and wedges
Christine Goody
I would serve it with salads and some slices of home made garlic bread
Paul Planck
Fresh baked bread with garlic
Sacha stacey
Would serve with garlic bread and salad
Mark R
I would serve it with a green salad and garlic bread
Richard Eldred Hawes
I must say that any recipe that includes Gorgonzola temps me to try it
Gardenia
Warm ciabatta with either butter or olive oil to dip
Claire V
I would serve garlic bread and fresh broccoli
Ceri McClellan
The giveaway is awesome as flaxseed is a luxury now, fingers crossed for meeeee
Rebecca Sutton
I would have to have some tear and share with extra melted cheese on top.
Michelle Smith
I would serve it with salad
Laura Pritchard
Chopped sausages & peas
lynn neal
I would serve with lots of fresh salad!
Nigel Soper
Probably would serve on it's own for lunch
Pam Gregory
Baked Beans
Kim Murray
Purple sprouting broccoli x
shellyg
I would serve it with crushing french stick and that's it
dave harland
A nice rocket salad
GEORGINA SERPELL
Freshly made ciabatta bread with melted butter to accompany this delicious looking dish.
Priscilla Stubbs
I would serve with a simple green salad and flat bread
Darren
Panzanella salad
Michelle Smith
A mixed salad and garlic flatbread
Tammie
This sound delicious, Iād serve it with some fresh homemade garlic bread.
Alyson Caddick
I would serve a tomato salad with this, using some delicious heritage tomatoes, basil and chives, dressed with a good olive oil with either balsamic or lemon juice. Love Gorgonzola and pine nuts! Definitely going to try the recipe!
Elizabeth Smith
Crisp salad and crunchy bread would go down a treat
Mark Paye
I think just with some simple garlic bread
Lisa Wilkinson
I love corned beef hash with baked beans
Rena Plumridge
Beans are best with Pastie and wedges
Nat M
Wow! Love love love the sound of this recipe... the more gorgonzola the better from my perspective
Katie Kingsbury
Love baked beans on toast with a sprinkle of cheese.
Annabel Greaves
I love to serve beans with sausages
amy simpson
Cottage Pie
Joanne Darnell
Baked Beans and buttered toast
Elaine Savage
I have a lovely easy soup recipe using baked beans and all tinned ingredients
Kimberly
This looks delicious. I like baked beans with cornbread.
Elena
It's got to go good with garlic bread, just about every pasta does.
melanie stirling
I like baked beans with vegetarian sausages and scrambled egg.
Sam
baked beans on toast is a great comfort food!
Renil M. George
Oooy, is that pine nut pasta? Sent some to me.
michelle
haha..sending... š š
Linda
I made this on Saturday. First recipe I have tried from the site. Fabulous. Just now have to decide what do to do with the rest of it-there's only one of me so I can't eat it all at once..
Lynn
My mouth is watering just reading the ingredients.
I cannot wait to try this recipe. The more gorgonzola the better for me!
Susan from Food Blogga
I'm not on a diet, and I'm not looking away. In fact, I want to dig in. Now!
Jeanne
Oh me oh my... This reminds me of a pasta sauce I make with Gorgonzola, cream and broccoli (the latter in a vain attempt to appear healthy ;-)). Looks absolutely gorgeous and I don't see how anyone resists pasta wth pine nuts. Stunning pics!
Elle
Did you say something about licking the pan? Does that include the bowl, too? Sounds fantastic!
Sarah
Mmmm...thank you...I strongly believe one can never have enough pasta recipes on hand. This looks great!
Anneka Davies
Iād serve it with some yummy homemade garlic bread
SharonR
Perfect meal for summer . I'd keep it simple . A tin of salmon and some fresh runner beans from my garden . Yummilicious.
diva@theSugarBar
cream, cheese and pine nuts? what a fantastic combination. pine nuts i adore so much. this looks awesome! reason to go out and get some gorgonzola tomorrow!
Alan Bevan
Garlic bread