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Beet and Goat Cheese Pasta
Daniel Hayes

Beet and Goat Cheese Pasta – Vibrant, Creamy Vegetarian Dinner

Roasted beets blended with creamy goat cheese create a stunning magenta sauce tossed with al dente pasta for a vibrant, satisfying vegetarian dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Roasting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh red beets, peeled and cut into ½-inch wedges
  • 8 ounces soft goat cheese
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus 2 tablespoons for roasting)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups baby arugula or spinach
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • 3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet For roasting beets
  • Large Stockpot For cooking pasta
  • Blender or food processor For making beet sauce
  • Colander For draining pasta
  • Large mixing bowl or pasta pot For tossing

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss beet wedges with 2 tablespoons olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast 35-45 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Blend half the roasted beets with goat cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup pasta water until smooth and creamy.
  4. Toss hot pasta with beet sauce over low heat, adding remaining pasta water as needed for silky texture. Fold in remaining beet wedges, arugula, and walnuts.
  5. Serve immediately topped with extra crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, arugula, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Roast beets ahead for faster prep. Use room-temperature goat cheese for smoother blending. Add extra pasta water as needed for silky texture. Best enjoyed immediately but leftovers reheat beautifully.