Baked Goat Cheese Pasta

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 first served this at a holiday dinner and everyone loved the unique presentation and comforting 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

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This recipe always brings my family together around the table with smiles and full plates.

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

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Enjoy this creamy and festive pasta as a crowd pleasing meal perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and complement the textures of the baked cheese and roasted tomatoes.

→ Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and substituting standard breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, you can adapt it easily.

→ How do I achieve the snowflake crumble effect?

Mix grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil, then sprinkle over the goat cheese before baking. This creates a crisp, decorative topping.

→ What adds freshness to the dish after baking?

Torn fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts stirred in after baking provide aromatic and crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

→ Can I enhance the flavor with other ingredients?

Adding sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach before baking introduces extra richness and vibrant flavors.