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.
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.
Pin It My family always gathers around eagerly when this warm, flavorful dish comes out of the oven.
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.
Pin It 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.