This special pasta recipe is typical from Liguria, a really beautiful Italian region located in the North-West of Italy.  

The beauty of this region is that it is overlooking the sea to its full extent, although mainly mountainous, so that the landscape is both mountain and sea- a really stunning scenario.
Liguria is also very famous for its cuisine.  Among the most popular dishes are focaccia with rosemary and pasta with pesto sauce, as well as many seafood specialties.

The recipe that I propose today has a rich flavor and a creamy and crisp texture. A delicious dish that will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

In addition, the cream to dress this pasta is incredibly simple and fast; you can prepare it while you cook the pasta!

In few words: a succulent and spectacular dish, ready just in 20 minutes!

INGREDIENTS for 4-5 servings

1 package of fettuccine

6 tbs. olive oil (3 for the cream and 3 for browning the bacon)

8 oz. bacon (chopped in cubes)

3 slices sandwich bread

1 and 1/2 cups walnuts

1 tbs. fresh thyme

5 oz. whipping cream

sea salt and pepper

 

DIRECTIONS

Start heating a pot of water to cook the pasta (and a small sauce pan for double boi link the walnut sauce).

After removing the crust of the bread, put it in a food processor and chop into pieces.  Then set the chopped bread aside.

Now put the walnuts in the food processor with the cream and blend for a few seconds.

Transfer the mix into a sauce pan, add 3 tablespoons of oil and stir to get a smooth cream.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm in a double boiler.

(If the water for the pasta begins to boil, don’t be afraid to pour the pasta in, because your dressing is almost done).
Now dice the bacon and brown it in a pan with the remaining oil until crispy.

Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.  In the remaining oil in the pan, toast the chopped bread with crumbled thyme.

Drain the pasta al dente, toss immediately with walnut-cream sauce, bacon and toasted bread, spice with plenty of pepper and serve still warm.

LEARNT IT, MADE IT, LOVED IT!

Tips: – If you don’t have fettuccine at home don’t panic, this pasta sauce pairs perfectly with short pastas like Farfalle or Fusilli also!

          – My daughters (4 and 2 years old) don’t like this pasta sauce because of the walnuts.  I mention that because maybe this is not the most “kid friendly” pasta to prepare!

I really hope you like this recipe, and please, if you do, share it, like it, and support my blog!

Much thanks,

Silvia