Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
A delightful twist on traditional pasta, combining tangy goat cheese and cream for a rich, comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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.
Notes
For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also toss in sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor.