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.
I first served this dish during the holidays and it was an instant family favorite, combining creamy cheese with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and blistered, and the cheese is golden on top.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6:
- 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.
- Step 7:
- Fold in torn basil leaves and pine nuts, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save This recipe brings the family together every time with its comforting flavors and easy preparation.
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 baked goat cheese snowflake pasta is sure to impress and satisfy with every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and offer a perfect bite with the creamy goat cheese and roasted tomato mixture.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting traditional pasta and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, you can easily adapt this dish for gluten intolerance.
- → How do I achieve the snowflake crumble effect on the goat cheese?
Mix grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the goat cheese log before baking for a crisp, decorative topping.
- → Is it necessary to use pine nuts?
Pine nuts add a lovely texture and flavor contrast but can be omitted or replaced with other nuts depending on preference or allergies.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the tomato sauce?
Adding sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach before baking enhances depth and offers a richer, more complex taste.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy goat cheese and bright tomato flavors, balancing richness with acidity.