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Leek, Walnut & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and comforting leek, walnut, and goat’s cheese pasta that combines creamy goat cheese with crunchy walnuts and tender leeks for a flavorful vegetarian meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a hint of warmth from optional chilli flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 200g short pasta (casarecce recommended)

Vegetables and Nuts

  • 1 leek, thinly sliced
  • 30g walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Seasoning & Cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
  • 100g soft goat’s cheese (vegetarian if needed)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve a mugful of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
  2. Sauté Leeks and Walnuts: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and chopped walnuts, season with salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook gently for 10-12 minutes until the leeks are softened and walnuts lightly toasted.
  3. Add Garlic and Chilli: Stir in the crushed garlic cloves and optional chilli flakes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
  4. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the leek mixture. Pour in a generous splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Crumble in half the goat’s cheese and stir until it melts, coating the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving dishes and dot the remaining goat’s cheese on top for extra creamy bursts. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use casarecce or any other short pasta shape for best texture and sauce adherence.
  • Reserve pasta water improves sauce creaminess without adding cream.
  • Adjust chilli flakes or omit for less heat.
  • Ensure goat’s cheese is vegetarian if required by checking for animal rennet.
  • This dish is best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: leek pasta, goat cheese pasta, walnut pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, easy dinner recipes

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Find it online: https://cookwithsophie.com/leek-walnut-and-goats-cheese-pasta-recipe/