Toasted walnuts and smoky bacon or pancetta make a great sauce for an easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

• ½ cup walnut piece
• ¾ cup walnut paste (see recipe under DIY pastes)
• 150 grams sliced bacon or pancetta
• 300 ml bottle cream
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2-4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 400 grams pasta shapes

Method

1. Toast the walnuts in a 180ºC for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool.
2. Cook the bacon or pancetta in a hot frying pan until crispy. Set aside and when cool, crumble. Add the walnut paste to the pan and cook in the residue oil for a minute before stirring in the cream, chicken stock and parsley.
3. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes or until al-dente. Drain well.
4. Turn the pasta into the pan and toss through the sauce with the walnuts and bacon or pancetta. Season with pepper and serve in pasta bowls garnished with finely shredded Parmesan and chives.