Goat Cheese Sauce Farfalle

Farfalle with goat cheese sauce is a unique and sophisticated dish that combines the comforting texture of pasta with the tangy, creamy flavor of goat cheese. Hailing from the northern regions of Italy, farfalle—often known as ‘bow-tie pasta’ due to its unique shape—provides the perfect base for a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe harmonizes the playful texture of farfalle with a luxurious goat cheese sauce, creating a blend of taste and aesthetics that is both refined and accessible.

The goat cheese sauce is the star of this dish, offering a smooth, velvety consistency that coats each piece of pasta beautifully. The goat cheese imparts a unique tanginess, enhanced by subtle hints of garlic and fresh herbs, which elevate the dish to a new level of culinary excellence. This combination is not only delicious but also offers a balance of creaminess and acidity that pleases the palate without overwhelming it.

Farfalle with goat cheese sauce is a versatile and straightforward dish to prepare. It is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining. The simplicity of the ingredients—pasta, goat cheese, garlic, cream, and herbs—belies the complexity of the final product. This recipe showcases how high-quality, uncomplicated ingredients can combine to create something truly extraordinary.

Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding, promising a meal that is as satisfying to make as it is to enjoy. Prepare to delight in the creamy, tangy, and aromatic experience of farfalle with goat cheese sauce, a dish that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Farfalle Pasta

Farfalle pasta, often recognized by its charming bow-tie shape, is a versatile and visually appealing type of pasta that originates from the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions of northern Italy. The name "farfalle" translates to "butterflies" in Italian, reflecting the pasta's distinctive design with flared edges and a pinched center. This unique shape not only makes it visually attractive but also functional, as it holds onto sauces effectively, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

Farfalle's texture and form make it ideal for a variety of dishes, from hearty tomato-based sauces and creamy Alfredo to light, refreshing salads. Its sturdy structure allows it to maintain its shape and texture, even when paired with chunky ingredients like vegetables, meats, or cheeses. This adaptability makes farfalle a favorite among pasta enthusiasts, appreciated for its ability to complement both traditional and innovative recipes beautifully.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile and distinctive dairy product made from goat's milk. Renowned for its tangy, earthy flavor, goat cheese offers a delightful alternative to cow's milk cheeses, with a characteristic tartness that sets it apart. Its texture can range from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly, depending on the aging process and style of production.

Fresh goat cheese is typically soft and spreadable, making it perfect for smearing on bread, blending into sauces, or enhancing salads with its creamy consistency and bold flavor. Aged varieties develop a firmer texture and more complex, pronounced flavors, often featuring a slightly sharp or piquant note.

Nutritionally, goat cheese is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and is generally easier to digest than many cow's milk cheeses due to its lower lactose content. Its unique flavor profile and versatility in culinary applications make goat cheese a cherished ingredient in many kitchens around the world.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

Farfalle With Goat Cheese Sauce Recipe

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound bowtie pasta
1 cup basil leaves lightly packed
¾ cup cilantro leaves packed
½ cup fresh spinach steamed and well drained
½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
2 tablespoons butter softened
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
8 ounces goat cheese

Instructions

To prep for this simple recipe, you must steam the fresh spinach and drain it being sure to squeeze all the water out.
Be sure to take the butter out so it softens up. Mince the garlic and you are ready to go.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta to your liking.
(I prefer al dente which is Italian for "to the tooth" and describes pasta that is not soft or overdone.)
While the pasta is cooking, combine the basil, cilantro, spinach, Parmesan, butter, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor and process until smooth.
Add the goat cheese and pulse until well mixed with the other ingredients.
When the pasta is cooked, drain, but reserve 1 or 2 tablespoons of the cooking water.
Combine the hot pasta with the processed ingredients and the cooking water in a large bowl. Mix until the pasta is coated well.
Serve and make sure you have salt and pepper on the table to season to taste.

Notes

I made this for just my wife and so I reserved some of the sauce and used it the next night to sauce some broiled halibut that we served some friends. It was delicious and well received.