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.
This recipe brings a festive touch to the dinner table, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
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.
Pin it My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this recipe during the cold season it always brings warmth and festive cheer to our gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian white wine for a perfect meal.
Variations
For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Add sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach for added flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Pin it This goat cheese snowflake pasta makes an impressive and delicious dish with minimal effort a true crowd-pleaser.