Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Pasta. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a silky sauce bursting with the sweet, smoky notes of roasted red peppers and the tangy richness of creamy goat cheese. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a gourmet journey that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy, all in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 roasted red peppers, chopped
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starches that help the sauce adhere.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the roasted red pepper and garlic mixture. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Crumble the 4 oz of goat cheese over the pasta and gently toss again. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious roasted red pepper and goat cheese pasta!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, medium-sized pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will catch the sauce beautifully.
- Don't Rinse the Pasta: The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always keep some pasta cooking water. Its starchy nature helps create a smoother, more emulsified sauce.
- Fresh is Best: If possible, use freshly roasted red peppers or high-quality jarred peppers for the most intense flavor.
- Goat Cheese Temperature Matters: Add the goat cheese when the pasta is still hot to help it melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil isn't just for looks – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting some pine nuts or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
