Name: Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces Spiral pasta; 1¼ cups Chicken broth (reserve after cooking pasta); 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 3 cups Chopped broccoli; 1 Diced red bell pepper; 4 tablespoons Butter; 5 ounces Goat cheese; ¼ cup Pine nuts (toasted); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

If you’re in need of a comforting and satisfying dish that combines creamy, tangy goat cheese, vibrant broccoli, and crunchy pine nuts, look no further than this Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts recipe. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The spiral pasta beautifully captures the creamy sauce, while the colorful vegetables add both nutrition and visual appeal. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings.

Why It Works Every Time

This recipe strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The goat cheese lends a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sautéed broccoli and sweet red bell pepper. Pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while the chicken broth enhances the overall flavor profile. This combination not only tastes amazing but is also visually stunning, making it a dish you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredient Notes

Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrients, broccoli adds both color and a health boost to this dish.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, it complements the other flavors beautifully.
Spiral pasta: Its shape holds onto the sauce, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor; feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Butter: Brings a lusciousness to the sauce, enhancing the creaminess of the goat cheese.
Goat cheese: The star of the show; its tanginess is what truly elevates this dish.
Pine nuts: Toasted for added flavor and crunch; they also provide healthy fats.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds freshness and color.

Recommended Tools

Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
Skillet: To sauté the vegetables and combine everything.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping vegetables.

Make Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts: A Simple Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1¼ cups of chicken broth and drain the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cups of chopped broccoli and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

To the skillet with the vegetables, add the reserved chicken broth and 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is combined. Then, crumble in 5 ounces of goat cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toast the Pine Nuts

In a small dry skillet, toast ¼ cup of pine nuts over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Top the pasta with the toasted pine nuts and, if desired, a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts!

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini in the spring.
In the fall, consider incorporating roasted butternut squash.
For a burst of freshness in the summer, toss in cherry tomatoes.
In winter, sauté some kale or spinach along with the broccoli for added nutrition.

Problems & Prevention

Overcooked pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta. Always check a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
Goat cheese clumping: Make sure to stir the cheese thoroughly into the sauce to avoid clumps. Using room temperature goat cheese can also help it incorporate more smoothly.
Too dry sauce: If the sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, add a bit more chicken broth to loosen it up.
Pine nuts burning: Toast them on low heat and keep stirring to prevent burning.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce. The texture of goat cheese can change when frozen and thawed. However, you can prepare the pasta and vegetables in advance and freeze them separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the goat cheese and toasted pine nuts just before serving.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and it will be a delicious vegetarian option!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything fresh to enjoy the creaminess of the goat cheese.

What other nuts can I use instead of pine nuts?

Pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or sliced almonds make great alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor or texture.

Keep Cooking

Sally’s Baking Addiction for more delightful recipes.
Pinch of Yum for healthy and delicious meal ideas.
Minimalist Baker for simple recipes with minimal ingredients.

Wrap-Up

This Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant. From the creamy sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta, every bite is a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. As you enjoy this meal, you’ll appreciate not just the taste, but also how easy it is to bring together.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a bowl of creamy goodness that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy every moment of cooking and the delightful experience that follows with your Goat Cheese Pasta, Broccoli, and Pine Nuts!