Roasted Tomato Penne with Goat Cheese Recipe

The Best Roasted Tomato Penne with Goat Cheese Recipe Ever

Roasted tomato penne crafts ordinary pasta into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with unexpected depth.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this vibrant dish, creating a symphony of robust and creamy textures.

Rich, caramelized tomatoes bring an intense sweetness that complements the tangy goat cheese perfectly.

Herb-infused ingredients elevate this simple recipe beyond standard weeknight meals, offering a gourmet experience at home.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of charred, concentrated tomato essence and silky cheese notes.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the elegant simplicity and complex flavor profile of this comforting yet sophisticated meal.

The harmonious blend of ingredients promises a delicious dining adventure that feels both familiar and exciting.

Roasted Tomato Penne with Goat Cheese That’s Creamy and Savory

  • Intensify Tomato Flavor: Roasting transforms ordinary tomatoes into sweet, concentrated flavor bombs that burst with rich, caramelized goodness in every bite.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: This recipe requires minimal prep time, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum deliciousness with just a few straightforward steps anyone can master.
  • Creamy Meets Tangy Delight: The combination of soft, warm roasted tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese creates a luxurious texture and balanced flavor profile that elevates basic pasta into something extraordinary.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for solo dinners, casual gatherings, or quick family meals, this dish adapts easily and satisfies different taste preferences with its simple yet elegant approach.

Everything You’ll Need for Tomato Penne with Creamy Goat Cheese

Roasting Ingredients:
  • Roma Tomatoes: Sweet summer tomatoes with concentrated flavor, best when ripe and firm with deep red color.
  • Olive Oil: Helps roast tomatoes evenly and adds rich, smooth Mediterranean taste.
  • Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that provides earthy, subtle flavor to roasted tomatoes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance tomatoes' natural taste and balance overall dish.
Pasta Ingredients:
  • Penne Pasta: Classic Italian pasta shape with tube-like structure perfect for holding sauce.
Cheese Ingredient:
  • Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds rich texture and distinctive flavor to the pasta dish.

Instructions for Roasting, Tossing, and Melting with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep Delicious Tomatoes

Grab a mixing bowl and toss your tomato halves with:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Spread the tomatoes cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Roast those tomatoes for 25-30 minutes until they look wonderfully shriveled and bursting with concentrated flavor.

Step 4: Build Your Pasta Masterpiece

Divide your cooked penne pasta into serving bowls. Generously top each portion with:
  • Roasted tomatoes
  • Tomato juices
  • Crumbled fresh goat cheese

Step 5: Savor Your Culinary Creation

Serve the pasta steaming hot. Let the creamy goat cheese melt slightly into the roasted tomatoes for an incredible flavor explosion.

Tips to Keep Goat Cheese Smooth and Tomatoes Juicy

  • Roast Tomatoes with Precision: Slice tomatoes evenly to ensure uniform roasting and caramelization, creating consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
  • Layer Flavors Strategically: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh thyme before roasting to enhance the tomatoes' natural sweetness and aromatic profile.
  • Cheese Crumbling Technique: Use room temperature goat cheese for easier crumbling and better distribution, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm pasta.
  • Pasta Perfection Tip: Cook penne al dente to provide a perfect texture that holds the roasted tomato sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that complements the roasted tomatoes and creamy goat cheese.

Reheat This Pasta Dish Without Drying the Sauce

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Serve With These Starters or Sides

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the rich tomato and goat cheese flavors, offering a refreshing contrast.
  • Select Complementary Wine: Choose a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the tangy goat cheese and bright roasted tomato notes.
  • Add Crusty Bread Side: Serve with a rustic garlic-rubbed sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious roasted tomato juices and provide a satisfying textural element.
  • Finish with Light Dessert: End the meal with a lemon sorbet or a light panna cotta to cleanse the palate after the robust pasta dish.

Ingredient Swaps for Goat Cheese or Tomato Lovers

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Enhance the dish by adding chopped fresh basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Roasted Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and a drizzle of chili oil to give the pasta a bold, fiery kick that complements the sweet roasted tomatoes.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Mix in grilled chicken strips or crispy pancetta to transform the vegetarian dish into a hearty, protein-rich meal that satisfies larger appetites.
  • Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace goat cheese with cashew-based vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Roasted Tomato Penne with Goat Cheese Recipe

Roasted Tomato Penne with Goat Cheese Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Roasted tomato penne with goat cheese brings Mediterranean sunshine to your pasta plate. Juicy roasted tomatoes mingle with creamy goat cheese, creating a luxurious Italian-inspired dish you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) Roma tomatoes, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)

Herb and Seasoning:

  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
  • ⅓ cup (75 grams) goat cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking.
  2. Carefully slice tomatoes in half, ensuring uniform size for even roasting.
  3. Create a flavor-enhancing marinade by mixing olive oil with fresh thyme, incorporating a robust seasoning of salt and pepper.
  4. Gently coat tomato halves with the herbed oil mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered.
  5. Arrange tomatoes cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, allowing ample space between each piece for optimal roasting.
  6. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F, allowing tomatoes to transform into concentrated, caramelized morsels.
  7. Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until tomatoes develop a deep, shriveled appearance and release rich, intensified juices.
  8. While tomatoes roast, cook penne pasta in generously salted water until achieving an al dente texture.
  9. Drain pasta thoroughly, preserving its ideal consistency.
  10. Distribute the perfectly cooked penne among serving dishes, creating an inviting base.
  11. Carefully spoon roasted tomatoes and their aromatic juices over the pasta, ensuring an even distribution.
  12. Delicately crumble fresh goat cheese across the surface, allowing its creamy texture to contrast with the robust tomatoes.
  13. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of rustic roasted flavors and smooth, tangy cheese.

Notes

  • Transform ordinary penne into a gourmet experience with minimal effort, letting the oven do most of the transformative cooking work.
  • Elevate simple ingredients by coaxing deep, caramelized notes from ripe tomatoes, creating a sauce that needs no additional cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star