Leek, Walnut & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This leek, walnut, and goat’s cheese pasta is a deliciously simple dish that combines creamy, nutty, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s both comforting and elegant with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 200g short pasta (casarecce recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 30g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 100g soft goat’s cheese (ensure vegetarian if needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a mugful of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and chopped walnuts, season well, then reduce the heat to medium and cook gently for 10–12 minutes until the leeks are softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the crushed garlic and optional chilli flakes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the leeks and walnuts. Pour in a generous splash of the reserved pasta cooking water and stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Crumble in half of the goat’s cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta topped with the remaining goat’s cheese, dotted across the dish for extra creaminess and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use pecorino or parmesan for a sharper flavor variation if goat’s cheese isn’t on hand.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for a deeper nutty taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute the goat’s cheese with a plant-based cream cheese.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. For best texture, enjoy the pasta fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Choose your favorite for the best results.
How spicy is this dish with chilli flakes?
The chilli flakes add a gentle heat that complements the creamy goat’s cheese but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
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Leek, Walnut & Goat’s Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This leek, walnut, and goat’s cheese pasta is a simple yet flavorful vegetarian dish combining tender leeks and crunchy walnuts with creamy goat’s cheese to create a comforting and elegant meal. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in an aromatic leek and walnut mixture with garlic and optional chili flakes, finished with melting goat’s cheese for a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 200g short pasta (casarecce recommended)
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 30g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 100g soft goat’s cheese (ensure it’s vegetarian if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a mugful of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare the leek and walnut mixture: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced leeks and roughly chopped walnuts, season with salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the leeks are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and chili flakes: Stir in the crushed garlic cloves and the optional chili flakes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow their flavors to infuse the mixture.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss together with the leek and walnut mixture. Pour in a generous splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Add goat’s cheese: Crumble half of the goat’s cheese into the pan and stir it through the pasta until it begins to melt and create a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and dot the remaining crumbled goat’s cheese on top just before serving for an attractive finish and bursts of creamy flavor.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts briefly before adding them to the pan.
- Use vegetarian-friendly goat’s cheese if you want to keep the dish strictly vegetarian.
- Chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a smoother coating.
- Casarecce pasta works best as it holds the sauce well, but any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: leek pasta, walnut pasta, goat cheese pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, casarecce pasta, creamy pasta
