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.
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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.
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Pin It Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make the goat cheese crumble snowflake crust?
Mix grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the goat cheese before baking to create a golden, crispy texture that resembles a snowflake.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best as it holds the creamy sauce and blends well with the roasted tomato mixture.
- → What are good substitutes for pine nuts if unavailable?
Toasted walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives to pine nuts to add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- → How do I know when the baked tomatoes and cheese are done?
The tomatoes should be soft and blistered, and the goat cheese golden on top, usually after 25 to 30 minutes in a 400°F oven.
- → Can this dish be prepared gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs keeps the dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
