Weeknight decadence — Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta

Warning: Based upon recent personal family feedback, I’m confident this might just become your new favorite weeknight pasta. This Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta comes together in just 25 minutes, with little chopping and no long simmering. Plus, it pairs perfectly with any protein. The base of the sauce is made with cream and goat cheese, finished with lemon zest for brightness and Romano cheese for salty, nutty flavor. It gets a gold star for when you want something special and decadent but doable on a weeknight. Don’t wait; you’re only 25 minutes away from an indulgent pasta that is sure to please everyone’s palate.  

Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta 

Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 1 tbsp. butter or olive oil
• 1 shallot, diced
• 5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced 
• 1 tsp. dried thyme (or 2 tsps. fresh)
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• 8 oz. goat cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Romano cheese, finely grated 
• Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. First, fill a large pot with water, heat over medium, and bring to a boil for cooking the penne. 
2. In a medium saucepot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced shallot and thinly sliced garlic and season with salt. Sauté for a couple of minutes until soft and fragrant. 
3. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toast for 10-15 seconds. 
4. Turn the heat to low and add goat cheese and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth. Gently simmer for 5-10 minutes while the pasta cooks. 
5. Add the penne to the large pot of boiling water and cook according to package instructions until 1 minute shy of al dente. 
6. Once the penne is cooked just shy of al dente, drain the pasta and set aside. 
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and top with lemon zest and freshly grated Romano cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Whisk until combined. 
8. Pour the sauce onto the pasta and mix thoroughly. 
9. Serve immediately.