Save 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 quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because of its unique snowflake crumble and rich flavors.
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.
Save Making this dish with my family during the holidays creates warm and joyful memories.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, medium pot, colander, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (goat cheese, Parmesan) and gluten (pasta, breadcrumbs). Contains pine nuts (tree nuts), if used. Check all ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490. Total Fat: 22 g. Carbohydrates: 55 g. Protein: 19 g.
Save This recipe is perfect for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknights. Enjoy the creamy textures and vibrant flavors!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well and complement the baked ingredients.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can easily adapt the dish for gluten sensitivity.
- → How do I achieve the snowflake topping effect?
Mix Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the goat cheese log before baking to create a delicate, crisp snowflake appearance.
- → Is it possible to add extra vegetables?
Definitely. Sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach can be mixed in before baking to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy goat cheese and bright tomato flavors beautifully.