Beautiful Beet & Goat Cheese Pasta

This pasta brings such a "wow" factor to your table. I serve it in the spring and summer when my girlfriends come over and it is always received with Barbie comments and endless Instagram photos.

TIME: 35 minutes YIELDS: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 can of peeled & cooked beets

• 3 cloves of garlic peeled

• 4 tbsp of olive oil

• 1 box of pasta of your choice

• 4 oz of goat cheese (plain)

• 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice

• 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water

• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

• Zest of 1 large orange

• Fresh basil ripped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

   
   

2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.

   
   

3. To a blender, add the beets, garlic, 3 oz of goat cheese, orange juice, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, reserved pasta water and blend on high until it reaches a smooth consistency.

   
   

4. In a small skillet, add the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and toast on high for about 3-4 minutes until golden.

   
   

5. Over medium-low heat in the pot you cooked pasta in, add the pasta and beet sauce in. Toss until coated evenly.

   
   

6. To plate, add the pasta first and top with goat cheese crumbles, orange zest, fresh basil, and sprinkle of salt.