After trying this delightful dish for the first time, my two-and-a-half-year-old has been asking for “pink pasta” non-stop! She particularly loves the fun of sprinkling her personal mini bowl of pangrattato on top, which is a refreshing change from her usual favorites like fish fingers and sliced apples. It turns out that the linguine is just as appealing to us adults, providing a simple yet delicious way to add another vibrant vegetable to our weekly meals.
### Pink Linguine with Pine Nut Pangrattato and Goat’s Cheese
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Serves:** 2
**Ingredients:**
– 180-200g linguine (adjust based on your appetite and how many little ones you’re feeding)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely grated
– 40g panko or white breadcrumbs
– 50g pine nuts, roughly chopped (optional)
– 15g parsley, finely chopped
– 450g beetroot (about 2 large), peeled and grated
– 2 heaping tablespoons crème fraîche or mascarpone
– Zest and juice of 1-2 lemons, to taste
– 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
– 150g goat cheese log, crumbled or roughly chopped
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and garlic in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté for about 30 seconds, then add the breadcrumbs, pine nuts (if using), and parsley. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is golden brown. Remove from heat.
3. When the pasta has about a minute left, add the grated beetroot to the pot and cook for one more minute. Drain the pasta, reserving a mugful of the cooking water, then return the linguine and beetroot to the pan.
4. Mix in the crème fraîche, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to your liking, adding more if desired. This dish is so straightforward that it really benefits from personal preferences.
5. Serve the pasta in warmed bowls, topping each portion with crumbled goat cheese and the pangrattato mixture. Enjoy immediately!
This vibrant dish not only delights the little ones but is also a favorite among adults, making it a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation!
