Save Roasted sweet potatoes, goat cheese, and sage tossed with creamy pasta for ultimate comfort.
Creamy sauce without loads of heavy cream
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
- Preheat and roast:
- Preheat oven to 430℉. 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.
- Cook pasta:
- 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.
- Fry sage:
- 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.
- Mash sweet potatoes:
- 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.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- 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.
- Season and serve:
- 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 Do not skip frying the sage it is what elevates this pasta to restaurant worthy status
Additional Tips
Customizable with pantry pasta shapes
Health Benefits
High in vitamin A and fiber thanks to sweet potatoes Great for meal prep leftovers are delicious
Serving Suggestions
A lovely alternative to heavy cream based pastas
Save Enjoy this comforting pasta dish with its perfect balance of flavors and textures
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve perfectly roasted sweet potatoes?
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes evenly, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 430°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure caramelization.
- → Why is frying sage important?
Frying sage until crispy releases its fragrance and adds a crunchy texture that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- → How is the sauce made creamy without too much cream?
Creamy texture comes from combining crumbled goat cheese, a small amount of heavy cream, and reserved pasta water, which helps bind the sauce smoothly.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
This flavorful dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complement the creamy and savory elements.