Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Sage

Roasted sweet potatoes, goat cheese, and sage tossed with creamy pasta for ultimate comfort.

Creamy sauce without loads of heavy cream and crispy sage gives irresistible texture and fragrance

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes: about 1.1 pounds peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic: minced
• 12 ounces short pasta: such as rigatoni penne or fusilli
• 4.2 ounces goat cheese: crumbled
• 1/4 cup heavy cream:
• 20 fresh sage leaves:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: plus more for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter:
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
• 1 ounce grated parmesan cheese: optional garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes: optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 430°F Toss diced sweet potatoes and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil salt and pepper Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes stirring halfway through until tender and caramelized

Step 2:

While the sweet potatoes are roasting bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente Reserve 2/3 cup pasta cooking water then drain

Step 3:

In a large skillet heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter over medium heat Add sage leaves and fry for 1 to 2 minutes until crispy Remove sage with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel

Step 4:

Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet Using a fork mash about half of the sweet potatoes leaving the remainder in chunks for texture

Step 5:

Add drained cooked pasta to the skillet with sweet potatoes Stir in heavy cream crumbled goat cheese and half of the reserved pasta water Toss until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta adding additional pasta water as needed

Step 6:

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper Serve immediately topped with crispy sage leaves grated parmesan a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes as desired

Save

This recipe makes a comforting family dinner especially during chilly evenings.

Vegetarian Tips

This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting goat cheese and cream with plant based alternatives.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.

Variations

Try adding toasted walnuts or swapping sage for thyme to change the flavor profile.

Save

Enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones for a warm and satisfying meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve caramelized sweet potatoes?

Roast diced sweet potatoes at a high temperature (430°F) with oil and seasoning, stirring halfway to ensure even caramelization and tender pieces.

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well and complement the chunky sweet potatoes.

→ Why is frying the sage leaves important?

Frying crisps the sage leaves, enhancing their aroma and adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

→ How can I make the sauce creamy without it being heavy?

Mixing goat cheese and a modest amount of heavy cream, combined with reserved pasta water, creates a silky sauce that is rich yet not overly heavy.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, roasting the sweet potatoes and prepping the sauce in advance works well. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess and re-crisp sage leaves before serving.