Go Back

Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Brussels Sprouts

A delightful and creamy pasta dish that combines crispy Brussels sprouts with a tangy goat cheese sauce, all prepared in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1 lb. Brussels sprouts Fresh, can substitute with broccoli florets.
  • 12 oz. uncooked pasta (cavatappi recommended) Pasta shape holds sauce well.
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil Adds rich flavor.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots Offers mild onion flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and zesty.
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes Adds gentle warmth.
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil Sweet and tangy.
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided Essential for flavor.
  • 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided Provides warmth and depth.
Cheese and Zest
  • 1 (4-oz.) log goat cheese Creamy and the star ingredient.
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest For fresh citrusy lift.
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Enhances brightness.
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves Offers a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional) Adds crunch and nutty flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim and slice half of the Brussels sprouts. Thinly slice or shred the remaining half and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Sautéing the Brussels Sprouts
  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Adding Aromatics
  1. Lower heat to medium, add oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, reserved shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped shallots, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Incorporating Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  1. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Making the Goat Cheese Sauce
  1. In a blender, combine goat cheese, lemon zest and juice, remaining salt, and black pepper with 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water. Blend until smooth.
Combining Everything
  1. Add drained pasta back to the pot on medium-low heat. Pour in Brussels sprouts mixture and goat cheese sauce. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Finishing Touches
  1. Stir in chopped basil and garnish with toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar with the vegetables. Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder taste. Consider adding spinach or kale for nutrients and color.