Easy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe

Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta is a delightful, creamy, and tangy dish that offers a refreshing take on a classic pasta meal. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines fresh tomatoes with the rich creaminess of goat cheese, creating a velvety sauce that coats your pasta perfectly. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking only around 30 minutes to make from start to finish. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, this Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the goat cheese, which gives the sauce a unique creaminess and a slight tang, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Unlike a regular tomato sauce, the addition of goat cheese transforms the flavor profile, resulting in a rich, smooth texture and a depth of flavor that will elevate your pasta game.

Not only is this Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta recipe easy to prepare, but it also offers bold, vibrant flavors, thanks to the garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients work together to create a complex yet harmonious sauce that balances the freshness of the tomatoes with the indulgent richness of the goat cheese. It’s a creamy tomato sauce like no other, taking your traditional pasta dish to a whole new level.

The Best Goat Cheese for Pasta

When it comes to choosing the right goat cheese for your pasta, the quality and form of the cheese play a significant role in the final result.

Amount: Aim for about 4 ounces of plain, unflavored goat cheese. This is the perfect amount to create a creamy, rich sauce without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Type: It’s important to avoid pre-crumbled goat cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best texture and flavor, always opt for fresh goat cheese in a log form.

Form: Choose a log of goat cheese over pre-crumbled varieties. The log allows you to control the texture better and ensures a smoother melt when stirred into the sauce.

Quality: If possible, try to source your goat cheese from a local farm or specialty store. Fresh, locally made goat cheese tends to have a superior creamy consistency and a tangier flavor, which enhances the overall quality of your dish.

Goat Cheese Pasta ingredients

To make this flavorful Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta, gather the following ingredients:

• Pasta: Penne is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce, but any pasta type will work.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and enhancing the dish with a rich, flavorful base.
• Onion: Vidalia onions are ideal for their mild sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the perfect aromatic base.
• Crushed tomatoes: The foundation of the sauce, providing depth and natural sweetness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick if you enjoy some heat in your pasta.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a well-rounded herby flavor to the sauce.
• Goat cheese: The key ingredient for the creamy, tangy sauce.
• Fresh basil: A fragrant herb that brightens up the dish.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
• Optional: Freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of umami.

How to Make Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe

Making this recipe is straightforward and only takes a few simple steps.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta to use later if needed.
2. Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate Goat Cheese: Stir in the goat cheese and fresh basil. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese has fully melted, creating a creamy, smooth sauce.
6. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the sauce is well-seasoned and balanced.
7. Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce appears too thick, thin it with some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and a touch of elegance.

Pro Tip

If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta without losing its creamy consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

• Finely Chopped Tomatoes: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can swap crushed tomatoes for finely chopped fresh tomatoes.
• Other Pasta Types: Feel free to use other pasta shapes, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni, depending on your preference.
• Dried Basil: Fresh basil is ideal, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried basil can be used as a substitute. Just reduce the amount slightly, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What to Serve with Goat Cheese Pasta

This Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

• Salads: A light, crisp salad complements the richness of the pasta. Try a Creamy Balsamic or Honey Mustard dressing for a perfect contrast.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

If you’re looking to try more simple yet delicious pasta dishes, consider these options from the blog:

• Cattle Drive Casserole Recipe: A hearty pasta bake with a southwestern twist.
• Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: A flavorful pasta dish with chicken, bacon, and a creamy sauce.
• Beefaroni Recipe: A family-friendly classic with ground beef and pasta.
• Chicken Pesto Pasta: A fresh, herby pasta with a creamy pesto sauce.
• Stuffed Artichokes Recipe: A deliciously unique side dish to pair with any pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What else can I serve it with?

This Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta can be served with gnocchi, hearty sandwiches, or crispy toast for a more filling meal.

What can I add to the recipe?

Consider adding protein such as crispy bacon or grilled chicken, or incorporate vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, or capsicum for a well-rounded dish.

Conclusion

This Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. With minimal effort, it delivers a dish full of bold flavors and a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this dish will impress every time. Share it with friends and family for a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy.