Description
A creamy and flavorful Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta that’s quick and easy to prepare. This dish features a rich tomato sauce simmered with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, finished with smooth goat cheese and fresh basil for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 ounces goat cheese (or to taste)
- 1 small handful fresh basil, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to soften and lightly brown for added flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Goat Cheese and Basil: Stir in the goat cheese gradually, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce to create a creamy texture. Add the sliced fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- The crushed red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
- If goat cheese is unfamiliar or strong for your taste, add it gradually and taste as you go.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; you can substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity.
- To make the sauce thinner or richer, adjust with pasta water or extra olive oil as preferred.
- Use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
