Name: Garlicky Radicchio Pasta with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb farfalle pasta (aka bow tie pasta, 450 g); 2 medium heads radicchio; 2 Tbsp oil (30 mL); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 4 oz soft goat cheese (225 g)

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Ready in just 30 minutes, this garlicky radicchio pasta is a simple and flavorful dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s all made in one pot, complete with zingy goat cheese and savory parmesan cheese!

A blue bowl filled with radicchio pasta with goat cheese

Radicchio is often thought of as a salad green, though it’s actually a chicory vegetable used in many Italian dishes. It’s very bitter, but certain methods can reduce its bitterness!

Today, we’re whipping up a delicious and savory radicchio pasta dish made with fresh, crunchy, bright purple leaves that add a unique and delicious bitter undertone. Top that with zingy goat cheese and parmesan, and oh boy. You’re in for a treat!

Adults favor bitter

While we will be soaking and cooking the radicchio to remove much of that bitter taste, these methods won’t remove it all. I recommend serving this as an adults-only meal, as kiddos don’t always favor it! While adults typically like bitter flavors (like coffee and beer), you’ll likely see some uneaten plates if you serve this to kids. Fair warning!

A close up view detailing the texture and toppings of a bowl of radicchio pasta

Here’s what you’ll need

Pasta: I prefer bowtie, but any other shape of pasta will work just as well!
Radicchio Lettuce: For the radicchio portion of the recipe, use 2 medium-sized heads.
The Basics: Olive oil will be used to cook the radicchio, which helps to remove some of the bitterness. Then, you’ll need salt and pepper to reduce the bitterness further and enhance the radicchio’s natural flavors.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds extra pungent flavor (the good kind!). I like to use large garlic cloves for lots of yummy garlic flavor. And no, we don’t need onion for this recipe!
Cheese: Finally, finish the dish with soft goat cheese and some fresh shaved parmesan. Fontina cheese is also a tasty addition or can be a substitute for parmesan.

Making radicchio pasta Is Easy

Radicchio pasta comes together much like any pasta dish. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. It will need to be al dente—reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later when you drain it.

Step 2: Prep the Radicchio
Cut each radicchio in half lengthwise, then cut out the stem. Lay the halves flat side down, and then cut them into wide strips or thick ribbons. To help remove the bitterness at this point, soak the leaves in water for 15 minutes.

A head of radicchio pasta sliced in half and laid on a blue background

A skillet filled with slices of radicchio lettuce

Step 3: Sauté the Radicchio
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sliced radicchio. Cook until the radicchio wilts down, about 5 minutes.

A skillet filled with cooked radicchio lettuce — Sautéing is another crucial step in helping to reduce the sharp bitterness of the radicchio.

Step 4: Add the Flavorings
Add the spices, goat cheese, and leftover pasta water. Toss or stir to evenly combine.

A skillet filled with cooked radicchio lettuce and topped with goat cheese — If you forget the pasta water, you can use any kind of cooking liquid like vegetable broth or even water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Stir the radicchio mixture into the drained pasta and serve warm. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar (or balsamic reduction).

A pot filled with pasta, radicchio lettuce, and goat cheese

Fun mix-ins

Want to add to your pasta for even more flavor and oomph? These ingredients all make great additions.

Fresh veggies, like cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or asparagus
Crunchy nuts, like walnuts, pecans, or pistachios
Pops of flavor, like dried cranberries or raisins

A bowl of radicchio pasta adorned with thin cheese slices and a parsley garnish. A fork rests on the plate, while cheese chunks are scattered in the background on a vibrant blue surface.

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