Randy Chandler
There are many ways to cook goat's cheese pasta, with a variety of ingredients that can be added to suit your taste. The most common additions are tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, but you can also add ingredients like mushrooms, lemon, prosciutto, chilli, spinach, or red peppers. The pasta itself can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, or frying, and the goat's cheese can be stirred through the pasta or baked on top.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pasta, goat cheese, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, lemon zest, fresh dill, olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, parsley, cream, butter, chilli flakes, lemon juice |
| Cookware | Large/deep pan or skillet, baking dish, slotted spoon |
| Preparation | Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions, sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stir in goat cheese, basil, and pasta water, season to taste |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a creamy goat's cheese pasta sauce
Ingredients
- Goat's cheese
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley
- Basil
- Garlic
- Butter
- Cream
Optional:
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon
- Dill
- Mushrooms
- Shallots
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Worcestershire sauce
- Vinegar
- Vegetable stock
- Prosciutto
- Spinach
Method
First, cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve some pasta water for your sauce!
In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add in your garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes aromatic. If you want to include onion, add this first and cook for 5-7 minutes before adding the garlic.
Now it's time for the goat's cheese! Add this to the pan along with some cream and stir. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Reduce the heat to medium and add your cooked pasta and some of the reserved pasta water. Stir well and let the pasta bubble in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. If you would like a thinner sauce, simply add more pasta water.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add some fresh basil and parsley for a pop of colour and freshness.
Tips
If you want to add a tangy twist to your pasta, add some lemon zest and juice to the sauce. You can also sprinkle over some fresh dill.
For a more substantial meal, try adding some vegetables to your sauce. Sautéed mushrooms and onions are a great option, or you could try caramelised shallots with herbs such as sage, rosemary and thyme.
If you're a meat-eater, why not try adding some crispy prosciutto? Simply bake the prosciutto with olive oil, garlic and lemon zest in the oven, before mixing with the pasta and sauce.
Enjoy!
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The best type of pasta for goat's cheese pasta
When it comes to choosing the best pasta for a goat's cheese pasta dish, there are a few options to consider. The type of pasta you choose will depend on the specific recipe and the desired texture and presentation of the final dish. Here are some recommendations for the best type of pasta for goat's cheese pasta:
Long Pasta
Long pasta varieties such as spaghetti, linguine, or capellini are excellent choices for goat's cheese pasta. Their slender shape and light texture pair well with creamy sauces, allowing the cheese to coat each strand evenly. Capellini, in particular, is a preferred choice due to its thin and delicate nature, making it a perfect match for the elegance of a goat's cheese sauce.
Short Pasta
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or any short pasta with ridges, can also be ideal for goat's cheese pasta. The ridges and curves of these shapes provide a larger surface area for the sauce to cling to, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour. Fusilli, with its spiral shape, is especially good at trapping the sauce, creating a delightful burst of flavour with each forkful.
One-Pot Pasta
If you're preparing a one-pot goat's cheese pasta, where the pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, consider using a variety that holds its shape well during cooking. Penne, for example, has a sturdy structure that can withstand the cooking process without becoming too soft. This ensures your pasta retains its shape and texture even after being immersed in the sauce.
Baked Pasta
For a baked goat's cheese pasta, fusilli or any short pasta with ridges is an excellent choice. The ridges provide a greater surface area for the baked cheese sauce to cling to, intensifying the creaminess and flavour in each bite. The spirals of fusilli also create a captivating presentation, making your baked goat's cheese pasta a true delight for both the palate and the eyes.
In conclusion, the best type of pasta for goat's cheese pasta depends on the specific recipe and your desired texture and visual appeal. Whether you opt for long pasta, short pasta, or a one-pot pasta dish, choosing a variety that complements the creamy nature of goat's cheese will ensure your dish is a mouthwatering success.
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How to cook the perfect al dente pasta
To cook the perfect al dente pasta, start by adding water to a large saucepan and bringing it to a rolling boil. Use a large pot for short pasta and a tall pot for long pasta. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of pasta and how much you are making. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook for a shorter duration than the package instructions suggest—usually around 1 to 3 minutes less. The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta and your elevation, so be sure to check the package instructions and taste the pasta as it cooks.
To test if your pasta is al dente, it should have a slight but discernible resistance when you bite into it. If you are adding sauce to your pasta, remember that the pasta will continue to cook, so it is better to remove it from the water before it is fully cooked. If your pasta is not mixed with sauce yet, you can also heat it up by placing it in boiling water and letting it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches the desired al dente texture. You can also finish cooking the pasta in the sauce in the pan.
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How to store and reheat leftover goat's cheese pasta
Storing leftover goat cheese pasta:
To store leftover goat cheese pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Freezing leftover goat cheese pasta:
While pasta dishes with creamy sauces can change in texture upon defrosting, you can successfully freeze goat cheese pasta with a few tips. Portion the leftovers into individual airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
Reheating leftover goat cheese pasta:
Leftover goat cheese pasta can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. When reheating on the stovetop, use a pan and stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. You can add a splash of water, stock, milk, or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
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How to make a simple goat's cheese pasta in 15 minutes
This recipe is perfect for a quick, delicious, and creamy goat's cheese pasta. It is a simple dish to make and only requires a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Goat's cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Basil
- Lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable stock (optional)
- Onion (optional)
- Tomatoes (optional)
- Red bell peppers (optional)
- Chilli (optional)
- Spinach (optional)
- Mushrooms (optional)
Method:
- Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a separate pan and add chopped garlic. Cook for a minute on low heat.
- (Optional) Add in the tomatoes and once they've burst slightly, add in the onion. Stir and fry for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and give everything a good stir.
- Place the goat's cheese in the centre of the pan and sprinkle over the lemon zest.
- Combine and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- (Optional) Add in the basil and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with the drained pasta.
Enjoy your simple and delicious goat's cheese pasta!
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Frequently asked questions
Around 30 minutes.
You can use any type of pasta, but short pasta with ridges like fusilli is a good option as the ridges trap the sauce.
You will need pasta, goat cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional ingredients of your choice such as basil, tomatoes, or mushrooms.
First, cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Then, in a separate pan, heat olive oil and add in your choice of additional ingredients such as garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Once these are soft and fragrant, mix in the goat cheese until smooth and creamy. Finally, combine the pasta and sauce, adding in pasta water as needed to thin out the sauce.
Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
