Shell Pasta With Goat Cheese And Basil Vinaigrette Recipes

GOAT CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a couple of turns of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the goat cheese.

BAKED GOAT CHEESE PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the tomatoes, garlic, shallot, oregano and red pepper flakes to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine. Nestle the goat cheese in the dish among the other ingredients and drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil. Bake until the tomatoes have blistered and the goat cheese has melted slightly, 22 to 25 minutes.
• While the tomatoes and goat cheese bake, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
• Remove the tomatoes and goat cheese from the oven. Add the pesto and begin tossing everything together, breaking up the goat cheese as you go and adding a little pasta water, until you have a creamy consistency. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Serve hot garnished with the fresh basil.

BASIL PASTA SHELLS

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onions in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, bacon, basil and pepper; cook and stir until tomatoes are softened. Rinse and drain pasta; stir into tomato mixture. Add half of the cheese. , Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

CREAMY CHEVRE AND BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• Bring water to boil for pasta.
• Peel and quarter the onion.
• Core, seed and quarter the red pepper.
• Peel the garlic.
• Place onion, pepper and garlic in food processor and pulse until finely minced.
• (Or chop by hand.).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat.
• Add the chopped vegetables and saute for a few seconds, until you can just smell the garlic.
• Cover the skillet, reduce heat and cook until vegetables are very tender, about 5 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
• While the vegetables are cooking, wipe the bowl of the food processor.
• Add the basil and goat chesse.
• Puree until smooth.
• Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions.
• Drain pasta and return to pot, off the heat.
• Add the cheese puree and the cooked vegetables, tossing to combine.
• Taste and add salt and pepper if necessary.

SHELL PASTA WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place the basil, garlic, vinegar and salt and pepper in food processor.
• Process until the basil is finely chopped.
• Add the 1/4 cup of oil and process again until emulsified.
• Set aside Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
• Run under cold water and drain.
• Toss through enough of the basil vinaigrette to coat shells thoroughly.
• Add the goat cheese and mix thoroughly.
• Add the tomatoes and olives and stir to combine.
• Add some more dressing, if necessary, but do not make the mixture too wet.
• Toast the focaccia wedges and brush with a little of the extra oil.
• Serve the wedges piled with the pasta mixture and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts.