Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe Magic

Goat cheese pasta emerges as a luxurious yet effortless dinner solution that promises culinary magic in minutes.

Silky smooth textures blend with tangy, vibrant flavors, creating a symphony of taste on your plate.

Mediterranean whispers infuse each forkful with rustic charm and sophisticated elegance.

Delicate herbs and creamy cheese conspire to elevate humble ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece.

Minimal kitchen skills transform standard pantry items into a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, this recipe turns weeknight cooking into a delightful celebration of flavor.

Let your taste buds embark on a delectable journey that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary dining experiences.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 4

The Building Blocks of Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta

• Cherry Tomatoes: Pick plump, glossy red tomatoes that feel heavy for their size.
• Shallot: Choose firm, smooth shallots with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic: Select firm cloves with tight, unbroken skin and no green sprouts.

• Dried Oregano: Look for bright green, fragrant dried oregano with intense aroma.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Choose vibrant red flakes for maximum heat and flavor.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for most robust taste.

• Goat Cheese: Pick soft, creamy cheese with smooth white appearance.
• Pesto: Choose fresh, bright green pesto with rich basil fragrance.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin cold-pressed for best quality.

• Pasta: Choose high-quality pasta with good texture and shape.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Select bright green leaves without dark spots.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pick aged cheese with sharp, nutty flavor.

Prep Essentials for Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of salt, ensuring flavorful water.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for roasting tomatoes and creating a delicious base.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic, shallots, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing and tossing ingredients in the baking dish.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding salt, pepper, and spices.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.
• Pasta Measuring Tool: Assists in measuring the right amount of pasta.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for adding parmesan as a final garnish.

The Cooking Method for Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta

• Kickstart Your Culinary Adventure

Gather your cooking tools and preheat the oven to a sizzling 425°F. Prep a large pot of salted water and organize your workspace with excitement and energy.

• Create Flavor-Packed Tomato Base

In a spacious baking dish, tumble cherry tomatoes with aromatic garlic and shallots. Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes for a zesty punch. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Nestle a whole goat cheese in the center and add a final splash of olive oil.

• Transform Ingredients in the Oven

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven and let magic happen. Roast for 22-25 minutes until tomatoes blister beautifully and goat cheese starts to melt into a creamy dream.

• Craft the Perfect Pasta

While tomatoes are roasting, cook pasta in the salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Secretly save a cup of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will be your sauce’s secret weapon.

• Blend Creamy Sauce

Pull the roasted tomato masterpiece from the oven. Stir in pesto, breaking down the goat cheese to create a silky, luxurious sauce. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water to achieve a velvety consistency.

• Final Flourish and Feast

Toss the pasta into the vibrant sauce, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and savor the explosion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Helpful Notes for Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta

• Customize Cheese Selection: Swap goat cheese with creamy ricotta or tangy feta for different flavor profiles that complement the roasted tomatoes and pesto.
• Boost Vegetable Variety: Add zucchini slices, bell peppers, or eggplant cubes to the roasting dish for extra nutrition and a colorful vegetable medley.
• Amp Up Protein Power: Include grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to transform this dish into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a gentle sprinkle for mild warmth to a generous dash for bold spiciness.

What to Serve With Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, toasted slice of rustic bread to soak up the delicious, creamy tomato sauce and capture every last drop of flavor.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Complement the rich pasta dish with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy goat cheese and pesto sauce.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Enhance the meal's enjoyment by selecting a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and highlights the dish's bright tomato notes.
• Finish with Herb Garnish: Top the pasta with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley to add a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma that lifts the entire dish.

Make-Ahead Notes for Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of pasta water to restore its silky texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare roasted tomato mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When ready to serve, quickly reheat in the oven and complete the final pasta tossing steps for a speedy, delicious meal.
• Smart Ingredient Storage: Keep cherry tomatoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Goat cheese and fresh basil should be refrigerated and used within their recommended shelf life for maximum flavor and quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the roasted tomato and goat cheese base in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before incorporating pasta and reheating gently.

Creamy Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta delivers a luxurious blend of tangy goat cheese and silky noodles. Hearty ingredients combine for a comforting meal you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) goat cheese, in a log
• 8 oz (226 g) campanelle pasta (or other shaped pasta)
• 2 pints (680 g) cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh oregano leaves (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) basil pesto (preferably homemade)
• 6 to 8 basil leaves, torn, for garnish
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp (5 g) crushed red pepper flakes
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep Roasting Pan: Distribute cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, oregano, and red pepper flakes across roasting dish. Drizzle olive oil, season with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Position goat cheese centrally and crown with remaining olive oil.
2. Roast Ingredients: Slide pan into preheated 425°F oven. Roast 22-25 minutes until tomatoes blister and goat cheese melts into luxurious pools, transforming the landscape into a vibrant culinary canvas.
3. Cook Pasta: Simultaneously simmer pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente. Rescue 1/2 cup starchy liquid before draining, preserving pasta’s potential for silky sauce creation.
4. Compose Sauce: Remove roasted pan, introducing pesto to molten tomato and cheese terrain. Gently fracture goat cheese, creating a creamy emulsion. Gradually integrate reserved pasta water, adjusting consistency with delicate precision.
5. Finish Dish: Fold pasta into sauce, ensuring complete coating. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves, adding a verdant flourish that elevates the entire composition.

Notes

• Prep Smart: Chop garlic and shallots uniformly for even roasting and balanced flavor distribution.
• Cheese Selection: Choose creamy, soft goat cheese for optimal melting and sauce texture.
• Liquid Gold: Reserved pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Herb Boost: Fresh basil transforms the dish, adding bright, aromatic freshness and vibrant color at the final moment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg