Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and full of comfort. Tangy goat cheese melts into a smooth sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to serve something special without much fuss.
Why We Love This Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors. The creaminess of the goat cheese pairs beautifully with fresh basil and lemon, offering a light, refreshing taste that cuts through the richness. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without dedicating hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.
Ingredients About Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
To create this creamy masterpiece, you just need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces penne (dry)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 ounces goat cheese (soft)
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (sliced chiffonade)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to whipping up a comforting dish that’s rich in flavor and texture.
How to Make Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Directions
Creating this incredible Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is straightforward and enjoyable. Just follow these easy steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne according to the package instructions. Ensure you cook it to al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it when finished. Once done, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic: While your pasta is cooking, heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until you notice a fragrant aroma filling the kitchen.
- Create the Creamy Base: Next, add the soft goat cheese and the half and half to the skillet with the garlic. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The warmth from the skillet will help melt the cheese into a beautiful sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Now, reduce the heat to medium, and gently fold in the cooked penne along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up that luscious sauce. Let it bubble gently for about 1-2 minutes to help the flavors combine.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Brightness: For an extra zing, add the lemon juice and zest to the mix. This will brighten the entire dish—it’s a perfect complement to the rich goat cheese. Again, add more pasta water for the texture you prefer.
- Finish with Cheese: With the heat turned off, gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm pasta. This final touch adds yet another layer of richness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: To complete your masterpiece, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top as a lovely garnish. This not only enhances the presentation but adds a fresh pop of flavor.
Now, you have a bubbling pot of creamy goodness that’s bursting with flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
Serving Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is almost as delightful as making it. This dish has a rich, indulgent quality perfect for almost any occasion. Start by plating a generous portion on warm pasta bowls. The beautiful creamy sauce will coat the penne perfectly, creating an inviting presentation.
For an added touch, you might wish to garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of more grated Parmesan cheese. Just before serving, a squeeze of lemon juice can introduce one last lift of flavor that will tantalize the palate. You could accompany your pasta with a simple green salad adorned with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette to enhance your meal experience.
This creamy pasta dish pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread, perfect for savoring every last drizzle of sauce. Make sure to grab a fork and dig in!
Expert Tips: Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
To ensure your Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta comes out perfect, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the dish largely depends on the quality of your ingredients, especially the goat cheese and olive oil. Opt for fresh, high-quality products for the best taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta will absorb the sauce and retain its texture beautifully. Be sure to follow cooking times accurately.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you find your sauce too thick, simply add more reserved pasta water to loosen it. This not only thins the sauce but enhances its flavor as the starch from the pasta water develops a creamier texture.
- Season Gradually: When seasoning with salt and pepper, add a little at a time and taste before adding more. This way, you’ll achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider sautéing spinach or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic for a burst of flavor and color.
How to Store Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
After enjoying your Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Here are some straightforward guidelines for storing this delectable dish:
- Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool at room temperature for a short while before transferring it to the refrigerator.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the cooled pasta in airtight containers. This helps keep it from drying out and preserves freshness.
- Refrigeration: Store the pasta in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary to revive the sauce.
Variation of Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
One of the joys of cooking is the flexibility to adapt a recipe to suit your taste or utilize what you have on hand. Here are a few variations of the Goat Cheese Pasta that you might want to try:
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to incorporate extra fiber and flavor. They add a lovely texture and a burst of color to your dish.
- Protein Power: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply cook them separately and stir them into the pasta at the end.
- Nutty Flavor: Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your dish, enhancing the overall texture.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of basil. They will lend a different aroma and flavor profile to the dish.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan twist, swap out goat cheese for cashew cream or a vegan cheese alternative, and use plant-based cream.
FAQ
What is Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta?
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is a delicious and rich dish made with penne pasta coated in a sauce of soft goat cheese, half and half cream, garlic, and fresh herbs, providing a comforting meal that is quick to prepare.
How can I make Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is inherently vegetarian, as it does not contain any meat or fish. Simply be cautious when selecting your goat cheese and creams to ensure they align with vegetarian standards.
Can I use a different type of cheese in place of goat cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with cream cheese or a more traditional cheese like ricotta or even feta for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the pasta is cooked properly?
Pasta is considered cooked properly when it is al dente—cooked through but still firm to the bite. Checking the pasta a minute or two before the package indicates completion can prevent overcooking.
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne (dry) Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Adds flavor to the sauce.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 6 ounces goat cheese (soft) The base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup half and half cream For creaminess.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (sliced chiffonade) For freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon) For brightness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon) Enhances lemon flavor.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) For added flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Creating the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the soft goat cheese and half and half to the skillet, whisking until smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
- Reduce the heat to medium, gently fold in the cooked penne along with ½ cup of reserved pasta water, stirring to combine for 1-2 minutes.
- If needed, adjust the sauce consistency by adding more reserved pasta water.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the fresh basil, lemon juice, and zest, mixing thoroughly.
- Turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top to garnish before serving.