Save A festive and creamy pasta dish featuring tangy baked goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with a snowflake-like crumble for a stunning presentation.
This pasta quickly became a holiday favorite in my family thanks to its unique combination of tangy goat cheese and roasted tomatoes.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Tomato Sauce: 2 pints (600 g) cherry tomatoes, halved, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Goat Cheese Snowflake: 8 oz (225 g) fresh goat cheese log, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Finish: 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, torn, 1/3 cup (40 g) toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Ingredients:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Make Snowflake:
- Place the goat cheese log in the center of the tomatoes. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, and 1 tbsp olive oil; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the goat cheese to resemble a snowflake.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and blistered, and the cheese is golden on top.
- Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Combine:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add hot pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the dish. Stir gently to create a creamy sauce, breaking up the goat cheese as you mix.
- Finish:
- Fold in torn basil leaves and pine nuts, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save This dish always brings my family together for a cozy meal and starts wonderful holiday memories.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, medium pot, colander, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (goat cheese, Parmesan) and gluten (pasta, breadcrumbs). Contains pine nuts (tree nuts), if used. Check all ingredient labels for possible cross contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490; Total Fat: 22 g; Carbohydrates: 55 g; Protein: 19 g per serving.
Save This recipe is an easy way to impress guests with minimal effort, perfect for festive occasions.
Common Questions
- → How do you achieve the snowflake effect on the goat cheese?
Mix Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the goat cheese before baking. This creates a crisp, decorative topping resembling a snowflake.
- → Can I use other pasta types for this dish?
Yes, short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Is there an option to make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve immediately after mixing in basil and optional pine nuts, garnished with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for added freshness.
- → How is the creamy sauce formed without added cream?
The sauce forms naturally as the baked goat cheese softens and combines with roasted tomatoes and reserved pasta water, resulting in a smooth, luscious coating.
- → Can additional vegetables be added to enhance flavor?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach can be incorporated before baking to add depth and variety.