Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Stovetop · Storage: Up to three days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
A delightful Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli and Pine Nuts that's creamy, tangy, and perfect for impressing guests during the holiday season!
The crisp air of New York City is settling in, and as we inch closer to Thanksgiving and the festive hustle of Christmas, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the warmth and aroma of seasonal comfort food. One dish that has captured my heart (and taste buds) is this Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli and Pine Nuts. It's a delightful blend of creamy, tangy goat cheese, vibrant broccoli, and the satisfying crunch of pine nuts-perfect for impressing friends and family during the upcoming holidays.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious combination of creamy goat cheese, vibrant broccoli, and crunchy pine nuts.
- Perfect for impressing friends and family during the holiday season.
- Quick and easy to make, allowing you more time for festive celebrations.
- Can be easily adapted with seasonal vegetables or proteins.
- A comforting dish that is both easy and elegant.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish.
Pasta
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (gemelli or orecchiette works great)
Vegetables
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
Cheese
- 4 ounces of creamy goat cheese
Nuts
- ½ cup of pine nuts
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli and Pine Nuts (Step-by-Step)
This delectable dish comes together with a few simple steps. Follow along as I guide you through the process.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. This ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant color and nutrients.
Step 3: Toast the Pine Nuts
In a skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Toast them lightly, stirring often until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Enjoy the nutty aroma as they toast.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the toasted pine nuts. Cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the cooked pasta and broccoli, along with half a cup of reserved pasta water and the goat cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Drizzle the dish with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an added touch, toss in some freshly chopped herbs. Serve hot, garnished with additional pine nuts and herbs as desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to follow the cooking time and check for that perfect al dente texture-it makes all the difference in a hearty pasta dish.
- Burning the Garlic: Adding the garlic too early or cooking it on high heat can turn it bitter; add it once the nuts are toasted and remove it from direct heat if necessary.
- Not Using Reserved Pasta Water: This magical ingredient helps create a silky sauce; don't skip reserving it before draining!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Feel free to substitute or add any seasonal vegetables you love-think sautéed spinach or roasted butternut squash!
- If you prefer a bit more tang, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before serving.
Variations
- Swap out goat cheese for feta or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Try adding lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing lift.
How to Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with additional pine nuts and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Place in a large serving bowl for a family-style meal.
- Offer grated cheese at the table for guests to add as desired.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the components of the dish ahead of time-cook the pasta and broccoli, toast the pine nuts, and mix the sauce-but combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the creamy texture.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Cooking this Goat Cheese Pasta taught me the importance of patience-in both the cooking process and the flavors. Allowing the broccoli to stay bright and crisp while the goat cheese forms a perfect creamy sauce highlights the beauty of simplicity, especially during the busy holiday season. This dish has quickly become a go-to for festive gatherings, reminding me that comfort can be both easy and elegant.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 plate
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 15g protein · 60g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. This ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant color and nutrients.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Toast them lightly, stirring often until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Enjoy the nutty aroma as they toast.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the toasted pine nuts. Cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the cooked pasta and broccoli, along with half a cup of reserved pasta water and the goat cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
- Drizzle the dish with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an added touch, toss in some freshly chopped herbs. Serve hot, garnished with additional pine nuts and herbs as desired.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with feta or cream cheese for a different flavor profile, but goat cheese adds a unique tanginess that enhances the dish.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta, such as rice or quinoa-based varieties, to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative and omit the pine nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
4. How long does the dish last in the fridge?
The Goat Cheese Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables such as sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted butternut squash for added nutrition and flavor.
