Creamy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Bake
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake, especially when it’s infused with the tangy richness of goat cheese and the vibrant flavors of tomato sauce. The Creamy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Bake is a dish that combines simple ingredients into a luscious, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With penne or rigatoni pasta, a velvety cream and marinara sauce blend, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or a dish to impress, this pasta bake hits all the right notes with minimal effort.
Top Reasons to Make Creamy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Bake
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy goat cheese and tangy marinara creates a depth of flavor that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Pasta Choice: Use penne or rigatoni to hold onto that delicious sauce in every bite.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This pasta bake reheats beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to suit your preferences.
Your Shopping Guide
- Pasta: 12 oz penne or rigatoni. These shapes are ideal for capturing the creamy sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups of your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara. For a smoky twist, try a fire roasted marinara.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup to add luscious creaminess to the sauce.
- Goat Cheese: 8 oz crumbled goat cheese, lending a tangy, creamy texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella for that irresistible melty topping.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup halved, for bursts of freshness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the garlic and enhancing flavor.
- Dried Basil & Oregano: 1 teaspoon each to bring classic Italian herb notes.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish and a pop of color and freshness.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
- Large skillet or saucepan: To cook the garlic and combine the sauce ingredients.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for assembling and baking the pasta.
- Mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and pasta together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Colander: For draining the pasta after cooking.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot dishes.
Creamy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Bake Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 oz of pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions—usually 1-2 minutes less than recommended. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Herbs
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, allowing the herbs to bloom in the oil.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and herbs. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Goat Cheese
Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Add 8 oz of crumbled goat cheese and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly in the creamy tomato sauce. The goat cheese will soften and add a tangy richness to every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a beautifully melted and golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. For an extra golden top, you can broil for the last 2 minutes—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, tomato-packed goodness.
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative and use a plant-based cheese substitute instead of goat and mozzarella cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne or rigatoni pasta.
- Lower Fat: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Herb Variations: Swap dried basil and oregano with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
Chef’s Rationale
Choosing goat cheese for this pasta bake adds a unique tang and creaminess that melts beautifully into the sauce, offering a depth of flavor that traditional cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese can’t quite match. The use of heavy cream balances the acidity of the marinara, creating a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni or penne pasta, both of which have ridges and tubes ideal for holding onto every bit of sauce and cheese.
Adding cherry tomatoes introduces bursts of freshness and slight sweetness, which cut through the richness of the dish, keeping it from feeling too heavy. The final mozzarella topping adds the perfect bubbly, golden crust that makes the bake irresistible.
If you’re a fan of goat cheese but want to explore similar textures and flavors, consider trying the Creamy Goat Cheese And Herb Rigatoni for a complementary recipe that highlights goat cheese in a fresh, herbaceous way.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For best results, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.
- Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until hot.
- Freezing: This bake freezes well. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a unique tang and creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese, ricotta, or feta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the texture and tanginess will vary.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
Heavy cream enriches the sauce and balances the acidity of the tomato. You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less creamy and rich.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake a few hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold to ensure it’s heated through.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their tubular shape and ridges hold onto the creamy tomato goat cheese sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
You Might Also Like
- Creamy Goat Cheese And Herb Rigatoni – A luscious pasta with fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese.
- Baked Ziti With Fire Roasted Marinara – A smoky twist on a classic baked ziti with robust marinara.
Save & Share
If you loved this Creamy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Bake, don’t forget to save it to your favorite recipe collection and share it with friends and family. It’s a perfect dish to bring people together around the dinner table, offering comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests, this pasta bake is sure to become a staple in your culinary rotation.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
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Creamy Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 oz of pasta until just al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to brown it. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano to bloom the herbs.
- Add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine with garlic and herbs. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer on low for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Add 8 oz crumbled goat cheese and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a melted, golden crust.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. For extra golden top, broil the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, tomato-packed goodness.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in microwave or oven; cover to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.
