Mediterranean Walnut Wide Pasta with Za’atar
This dish combines wide pasta ribbons with a rich walnut sauce and a generous sprinkle of za’atar, a fragrant Middle Eastern herb blend. It’s earthy, nutty, and herby — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive Mediterranean-inspired meal.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta
12 oz (340 g) wide pasta (pappardelle, mafaldine, or fettuccine)
Salted water for boiling
Walnut Sauce
1 cup walnuts, toasted
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup water or vegetable broth (to loosen sauce)
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper to taste
Seasoning & Topping
2–3 tbsp za’atar
¼ cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Make the Walnut Sauce
1. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Transfer walnuts to a food processor. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth. Add water or reserved pasta water to reach a creamy sauce consistency.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
1. Return pasta to the pot or a large skillet over low heat.
2. Add the walnut sauce and toss to coat evenly.
3. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Season with Za’atar
Sprinkle 2–3 tbsp za’atar over the pasta and toss gently.
Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
5. Serve
Plate the pasta and top with crumbled feta or Parmesan if using.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and extra freshness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts?
Yes — pine nuts, almonds, or pecans work, but walnuts give the richest flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach pairs beautifully.
Is za’atar essential?
Za’atar gives the signature Mediterranean flavor, but a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds works as a substitute.
Tips for Best Results
Toast the walnuts for maximum flavor.
Use wide pasta — it holds the creamy walnut sauce better than thin spaghetti.
Drizzle extra olive oil over the top for richness.
Add lemon zest for brightness.
Serve immediately; the sauce thickens as it cools, so reheat gently with water or olive oil if needed.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~12 g
Carbohydrates: ~48 g
Fiber: ~6 g
Fat: ~28 g
Sodium: ~200 mg