Description
A creamy and flavorful Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta recipe that combines tangy goat cheese with a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this pasta dish offers a delightful twist on traditional tomato sauces with its velvety texture and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces goat cheese (or to taste)
- 1 small handful fresh basil, sliced thin
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to become translucent and lightly browned for deeper flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce heat and simmer the sauce gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Goat Cheese and Basil: Stir in the goat cheese gradually, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture in the sauce. Add the fresh basil and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of goat cheese to your preference if you’re unsure about the tangy flavor; add gradually and taste.
- Use crushed red pepper flakes sparingly if you want just a mild heat or omit for no spice.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Fresh basil adds a bright aroma—feel free to garnish additional basil on top when serving.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free pasta if needed.
