Pin It 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 love serving this dish during the holidays because it impresses both guests and family with its flavor and looks.
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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)
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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.
Pin It My family always gathers around eagerly when this warm, flavorful dish comes out of the oven.
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Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Additional Notes
For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of baby spinach before baking. Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
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Enjoy this delicious and elegant meal any time you want to impress with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and complement the baked cheese texture.
- → Can I substitute goat cheese?
While goat cheese provides the characteristic tanginess and creaminess, creamy cheeses like ricotta can be used but will alter the flavor profile.
- → How do I achieve the snowflake crumble topping?
A blend of Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil is sprinkled over the cheese before baking to form a crisp, decorative crust.
- → Can pine nuts be omitted?
Yes, pine nuts add a toasted crunch but can be left out or replaced with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- → How to prevent pasta from drying out when mixed?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to stir in with the baking dish contents, creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
