Description
This Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Penne is a quick and flavorful pasta dish combining al dente penne with the creamy tang of goat cheese, sweet roasted red peppers, and fragrant garlic and basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced and vibrant meal using simple ingredients that come together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large roasted red pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dairy & Oils
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown it.
- Cook roasted red pepper: Add the sliced roasted red pepper to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and peppers to warm through.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Stir in the cooked penne pasta, crumbled goat cheese, and red pepper flakes. Mix well so the goat cheese starts to melt and coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish with basil and seasoning: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use pre-roasted red peppers from the jar or roast your own by charring fresh red peppers under a broiler and peeling off the skin.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of pasta cooking water when combining pasta and goat cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad and crusty bread.
