We first sampled pasta with walnut sauce during a trip through Italy, where walnuts are a prized ingredient.
There are many versions walnut sauce (salsa di noci) – including very simple preparations where pulverized walnuts are added to milk and breadcrumbs and then tossed with pasta.
I prefer to use granule sized walnut chunks to add more texture to the dish.
If you’re looking for a lower carb option, you can also use this sauce over roasted cauliflower or spaghetti squash. It’s also very good over a thick pasta noodle such as tagliatelle.
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Here are some additional Italian inspired recipes that you might enjoy
Cheese Ravioli with Walnut Sauce

Creamy Walnut Parmesan Sauce (salsa di noci) pairs perfectly with cheese ravioli, but is also great over your favorite pasta or even over spaghetti squash or cauliflower.
Ingredients
- 10 Ounces (300 g) Premade Cheese Ravioli
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 4 Tablespoons (29 g) Walnut, Minced
- 4 Tablespoons (57 g) Butter
- 2 Tablespoons (31 g) All-purpose Flour
- ¼ Cup (60 ml) Dry White Wine
- ¼ Cup (60 ml) Vegetable or Chicken Broth, low salt
- 1 ½ (375 ml) Cups Whole Milk
- 1/3 cup (30 g) Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ Teaspoon (.45 g) Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli per package directions
- Add the butter to a sauce pan over medium heat. Once it is melted, add the walnuts and garlic. Saute for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant. Do not allow them to burn or become overly toasted.
- Add the flour and stir together to form a paste
- Add the wine and brothe, and allow the mixture to reduce by about half (about 7 minutes)
- Slowly add in the milk, stirring constantly and not allowing the sauce to reach a rapid boil.
- Add the red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese and allow the cheese it to melt into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish with additional granulated walnuts and Parmesan cheese and a sparse amount of Parsley(optional).
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 395Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 62mgSodium 497mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 15g
Terry
Monday 4th of October 2021
Delicious and fairly easy to make. For once I tried following a recipe but no info on the broth. Question — when do you add the broth? At the same time as the wine?
Jen
Tuesday 5th of October 2021
Thank you for pointing this out! Yes add the broth at the same time as the wine.
Tamara Pearis
Monday 10th of May 2021
My son-in-law made this for me for Mother's Day. He added some fresh sage, chili pepper flakes and used Manchego cheese instead. Thanx for the recipe and inspiring him. So delicious!
Jen
Monday 10th of May 2021
Sounds like a great variation. Thanks for taking the time to reach out to us! I'll have to give his version a try.
Cindy
Wednesday 26th of February 2020
Made this tonight. OMG so good. Caused me to eat much more ravioli than I should have. Will make again for sure. Thanks!!
Camila & Cory
Thursday 30th of May 2019
Wow, definitely will try this. It seems like the combination of flavors will be delicious between the cheese and walnuts!
Rick Steel
Friday 24th of May 2019
Scrumptious recipe! As my wife said, YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY! Could be a new favorite.
Jen
Tuesday 28th of May 2019
Very happy you enjoyed it! You made my day.