Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, infused with the vibrant essence of fresh basil and the tangy richness of goat cheese. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create in just 25 minutes. Get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with a meal that looks gourmet but is shockingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of your choice of pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the basil oil. In a blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth and well combined. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse until the desired consistency is reached.
- After the pasta has cooked to your liking, 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 starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- In the same pot, return the drained pasta and add the basil oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Crumble 4 oz of goat cheese over the pasta and gently toss to combine. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy texture.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced.
- If using, toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and flavor, if desired. Drizzle with a little extra basil oil for presentation.
- Enjoy your Pasta with Goat Cheese and Basil Oil while it's warm!
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish. • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce. • Toast pine nuts carefully - they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently. • For the most vibrant basil oil, use fresh basil leaves and blend them immediately before using. • Don't overcook the pasta - al dente is key for the best texture and to help the sauce cling perfectly. • Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes, but shorter varieties like penne or fusilli work best with this creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
