Save Roasted sweet potatoes, goat cheese, and sage tossed with creamy pasta for ultimate comfort.
This cozy dish combines sweet and savory elements for a truly comforting meal that my family loves.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium (about 1.1 pounds), peeled and diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Short pasta: 12 ounces such as rigatoni, penne, or fusilli
- Goat cheese: 4.2 ounces crumbled
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
- Sage leaves: 20 fresh
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons plus more for drizzling
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese: 1 ounce (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:
- 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:
- 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 This recipe always brings my family together at the table for a cozy meal we all enjoy.
Additional Tips 1
Creamy sauce without loads of heavy cream and crispy sage gives irresistible texture and fragrance.
Additional Tips 2
High in vitamin A and fiber thanks to sweet potatoes, great for meal prep leftovers are delicious.
Additional Tips 3
Customizable with pantry pasta shapes. Do not skip frying the sage it elevates this pasta to restaurant worthy status.
Save This dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests with its comforting flavors.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How do I ensure sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted?
Roast diced sweet potatoes at a high temperature (around 430°F) until they are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway for even cooking and deeper flavor.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Short pastas like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well and provide a satisfying bite with the sweet potatoes.
- → Why is frying the sage important?
Frying sage leaves crisps them, releasing aromatic oils and adding a crunchy, fragrant garnish that elevates the dish’s texture and flavor.
- → How does reserved pasta water improve the sauce?
Adding some reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy texture that clings to the pasta and ingredients.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen after resting, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.