Save 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.
This recipe brings a cozy Italian-inspired flavor that's sure to impress your guests and family alike.
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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.
Save My family gathers around eagerly whenever I make this dish especially during festive dinners which makes it even more special.
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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
Calories: 490, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 19 g per serving
Save 
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and offers a beautiful balance of creamy and tangy flavors perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the snowflake crust on the goat cheese?
Mix grated Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the goat cheese before baking to create the crisp, decorative topping.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type used here?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal, but any short pasta that holds sauce well can be used.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What wine pairs nicely with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy cheese and fresh basil notes beautifully.
- → Can I add extra ingredients for more flavor?
Sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach can be mixed in before baking to enhance the flavor profile.
