Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe
Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tangy goat cheese and fresh basil pesto to coat tender pasta. Toasted pine nuts and Parmesan add crunch and a savory finish, while garlic and optional lemon juice provide aromatic and bright notes. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a fresh, herbal flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then drain the rest.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Stir pesto into the skillet with the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through. Add goat cheese and stir until the cheese melts, forming a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach a silky consistency.
- Toss the Pasta with the Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto-goat cheese sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to cover the pasta well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to combine. If desired, squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright tang.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or fettuccine work well for holding the sauce.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before adding.
- Lemon juice is optional but recommended to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh herbs at their best.
Keywords: pesto pasta, goat cheese pasta, creamy pasta, easy Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, garlic pasta sauce, pine nuts pasta
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/pesto-goat-cheese-pasta-recipe/
