Viral Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Sage

This luxurious sweet potato goat cheese sage pasta is my go to when I want something cozy but still special enough for company. Roasting the sweet potatoes fills the kitchen with the best caramelized aromas and pairing them with tangy goat cheese makes for a rich yet vibrant sauce you will crave on chilly evenings.

I first made this on a cold fall night with friends. The combination of the creamy sauce and crispy sage was an instant hit and now it is my favorite dinner party crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Choose medium sized and firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for best texture They caramelize beautifully when roasted
• Garlic: Fresh cloves deepen the flavor and balance the sweetness
• Short pasta: Pasta shapes like rigatoni penne or fusilli catch the creamy sauce well
• Goat cheese: Opt for soft and tangy fresh goat cheese for the creamiest melt
• Heavy cream: Adds silkiness Choose good quality fresh cream
• Fresh sage leaves: Fragrant sage becomes crispy and aromatic when fried
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for maximum flavor both for roasting and finishing
• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich nutty layer when frying sage
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every component
• Grated parmesan: Parmesan finishes the dish with a sharp salty note Use real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle heat to balance sweetness and creaminess

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Vegetables:

Preheat your oven to two hundred and twenty degrees Celsius four hundred and thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Toss diced sweet potatoes and minced garlic in one tablespoon olive oil with plenty of salt and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet for even roasting.

Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

Roast for about twenty to twenty five minutes until the sweet potatoes are golden and caramelized stirring once halfway through for even browning. They should be very tender but not mushy.

Cook the Pasta:

While potatoes roast bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook just to al dente according to the package directions. Before draining reserve about one hundred and fifty milliliters of pasta water for your sauce.

Fry the Sage:

In a large skillet heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil with the butter over medium heat until sizzling. Add the fresh sage leaves in a single layer and fry for around one to two minutes until crispy but still green. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain and stay crisp.

Mash and Combine:

Add roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet. Mash about half using a fork directly in the skillet. This creates pockets of creamy texture while leaving some pieces chunky for contrast.

Create the Sauce:

Add cooked drained pasta to the skillet with potatoes. Pour in the heavy cream crumbled goat cheese and half the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously over low heat until a creamy glossy sauce forms adding more pasta water as needed to loosen.

Finish and Serve:

Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve each portion with plenty of crispy sage leaves grated parmesan a drizzle of olive oil and some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Goat cheese is my absolute favorite part of this recipe It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a subtle tang that balances all the richness My kids still argue over who gets the last bit of crispy sage on top which always makes me laugh

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days This pasta reheats well in a skillet with a splash of water to revive its creaminess If making ahead keep the crispy sage separate and add just before serving to maintain crisp texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Butternut squash or pumpkin work wonderfully instead of sweet potato for a seasonal twist You can easily make the dish gluten free with your favorite alternative pasta If goat cheese is not for you creamy ricotta or feta will also give a tangy kick

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed greens to brighten the meal For a festive touch finish with toasted pecans or walnuts This pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or any crisp white wine

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

This dish brings together classic Italian flavors sage pasta with a contemporary twist inspired by modern American cooking techniques Roasting sweet potatoes gives an autumnal feel making it a beautiful centerpiece for cozy winter dinners or holiday tables It is especially popular during the colder months when root vegetables are at their best

Seasonal Adaptations

Sweet potatoes can be replaced by roasted carrots in spring months For late summer add a handful of fresh corn to the roasting tray In winter double up on sage for even more aroma

Success Stories

A friend once made this recipe for her book club and everyone went back for seconds even the goat cheese skeptics It is a crowd pleaser for vegetarians and meat eaters alike I love getting texts the next day about how good the leftovers are

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze portions of the sauce made up through step five Once cool transfer to containers and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight and gently reheat in a skillet with hot pasta water Cook pasta fresh for best texture since freezing can make it mushy

Enjoy this luxurious pasta on your next cozy night in or to impress your guests with vibrant autumnal flavor. You will want to make it again and again.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, roast the sweet potatoes in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Reheat before combining with pasta.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short pastas like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well and capture bits of sweet potato.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese alternatives in place of goat cheese and dairy cream.

→ How do I achieve crispy sage leaves?

Fry sage leaves in hot oil and butter until they bubble and darken, then drain on paper towels before topping the pasta.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice to fit your dietary needs.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Pair with a crisp green salad or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for a well-balanced meal.