Save to Pinterest 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 dish was a hit at my holiday dinner, impressing everyone with its unique snowflake goat cheese topping and vibrant flavors.
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 to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this pasta at festive occasions it brings warmth and joy to our table.
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 (per serving)
Calories: 490, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 19 g
Save to Pinterest This recipe is perfect for a quick yet impressive vegetarian meal that delights the senses.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the snowflake effect on the goat cheese?
Mix Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil, then evenly sprinkle over the goat cheese before baking. This creates the desired golden, textured topping.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well as they hold the sauce nicely and blend with the baked ingredients.
- → What is the best way to prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and stir it into the baked mixture to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Are pine nuts essential in this dish?
Pine nuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor but can be omitted if preferred or due to allergies.
- → How can I enhance the tomato flavor before baking?
Adding garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes to halved cherry tomatoes intensifies their flavor during roasting.