Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounce penne
dry
- 2 tablespoon butter
unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 6 ounce goat cheese
soft
- 1 cup half and half cream
- ¼ cup fresh basil
sliced chiffonade*
- or to taste¼ teaspoon salt
- or to taste½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
from 1 lemon
- lemon zest
from 1 lemon
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley
chopped
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta: Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- 2
Make sauce: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes aromatic. Add the goat cheese, half and half and stir. Whisk until smooth.
- 3
Add pasta: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked penne and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and let it bubble in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Finish: If you'd like a thinner sauce, add more of the pasta water as needed. Mix in the basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the lemon juice and zest and more pasta water if needed. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- 5
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve.
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 79 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a sophisticated yet incredibly easy weeknight meal? This Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta delivers gourmet flavors in under 30 minutes, promising a delightful escape from mundane dinners.
The genius of this dish lies in its sheer simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. Made effortlessly in one pot, it brings together tangy goat cheese with rich half and half to create an incredibly smooth, luxurious sauce. Fresh basil and parsley infuse every bite with vibrant herbal notes, proving that gourmet taste doesn't have to mean complicated cooking.
Prepare for a truly comforting pasta experience. You'll enjoy tender penne coated in a velvety, indulgent sauce, brightened by the zesty lemon and aromatic fresh basil and parsley. The goat cheese provides a delightful tang that perfectly balances the richness of the cream, while grated Parmesan adds another layer of savory depth. Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something special.
While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta to your liking. Consider stirring in roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach for extra vegetables. For a heartier meal, incorporate cooked grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. Don't have penne? Any short pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli would work beautifully.
This elegant pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or even a special lunch. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread to ensure you savor every last drop of the exquisite sauce.