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Creamy Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta with Pine Nuts – Easy 40-Minute Comfort Food

Creamy Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta with Pine Nuts – Easy 40-Minute Comfort Food

Creamy Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta with Pine Nuts is a weeknight winner: one pot, 40 minutes, pantry staples. Rich, nutty, family-friendly comfort food!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 532 kcal

Equipment

  • dry skillet
  • pot

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni (dry)
  • 4 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoon prepared basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoon pine nuts
  • 1 ¾ cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

Seasonings & Flavor Boosters

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch red-pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings

  • Extra toasted pine nuts
  • Fresh basil ribbons
  • Grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Toast the Pine Nuts: Dry skillet 3 min until golden; set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In same pot melt 1 tablespoon butter, add garlic 30 sec.
  • Simmer Sauce: Stir in broth, half-and-half, pesto, salt & pepper; bring to gentle boil.
  • Add Pasta: Reduce heat, add dry pasta, cover and simmer 12–14 min, stirring twice, until al dente and sauce thickens.
  • Finish: Remove from heat; fold in goat cheese and half the pine nuts until creamy. Top with remaining nuts and basil. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 532kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 18gFat: 26gSodium: 480mgFiber: 3g
Keyword 40-Minute Meal, Creamy Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta, Easy Comfort Food, Goat Cheese Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Pesto Pasta
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