Pasta with Herbed Goat Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes
Creamy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Pasta with Herbed Goat Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. Al dente pasta is tossed in a luxurious, tangy goat cheese sauce infused with minced garlic, zesty lemon, and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Sweet roasted cherry tomatoes add a juicy pop of flavor, while fresh basil and parsley lend a fragrant, herbaceous touch. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this 30-minute pasta dish balances simplicity and sophistication. Ideal for summer evenings or when you crave something comforting yet light, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal at your own table. Perfect for entertaining or easy family dinners!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 6 oz Crumbled goat cheese
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Spread the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Roast the cherry tomatoes in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are soft and just starting to burst. Remove from the oven and set aside.
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
Add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl with the goat cheese mixture. Toss quickly to coat the pasta, adding a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time to create a creamy sauce. Use only as much pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and parsley.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and toss gently to combine.
Divide the pasta among serving plates. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1576 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.1 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.0 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 133 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 4086 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 122.9 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 76.4 g | 153% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1002 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 1112 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
