Beet Goat Cheese Pasta Walnut (Print)

Roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, and candied walnuts create a creamy, vibrant pasta with sweet-savory flavors.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
02 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Beets

03 - 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Candied Walnuts

07 - 3/4 cup walnut halves
08 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
09 - 1 tbsp water
10 - Pinch sea salt

→ Sauce & Finish

11 - 5 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled
12 - 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
13 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - Zest of 1 lemon
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
16 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss the beet cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
03 - While the beets are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
04 - In a nonstick skillet, combine walnuts, sugar, water, and a pinch of sea salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts, approximately 3–4 minutes. Transfer the candied walnuts to parchment paper and allow them to cool completely.
05 - In a large bowl, combine the roasted beets, hot pasta, crumbled goat cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until a creamy sauce forms and coats the pasta.
06 - Season with freshly ground black pepper and toss gently. Divide the pasta among plates and top with the cooled candied walnuts and chopped chives, if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find everyday ingredients
  • Packed with flavor yet simple to make at home
  • Impressive for date nights or dinner parties
  • Vegetarian and adaptable for gluten-free or nut-free needs
02 -
  • Rich in antioxidants from beets and healthy fats from walnuts
  • Can be easily adjusted for dietary needs such as gluten free or nut free
  • Technology for the sauce leans on goat cheese and lemon joining pasta water to create a creamy texture
  • The candied walnuts are honestly my favorite part I love the contrast of sweetness and crunch every time I bite into a piece My niece always insists on extra walnuts and says the color reminds her of a celebration meal
03 -
  • Always toss pasta with sauce ingredients while still hot so goat cheese melts
  • Reserve that pasta water it is key for emulsifying the sauce
  • Let walnuts cool fully before chopping or garnishing for the crunchiest result
  • Taste before serving Lemon zest and juice should brighten the whole dish
  • For a festive look use a mix of red and golden beets

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