Have you been searching for a unique and flavorful pasta recipe to try? Look no further! Today, I want to share with you my take on the Goat Cheese Apple Walnut Pasta. This dish was originally intended to be a winter entree, but it turned out to be an incredible side dish instead. Let me show you how to create this mouthwatering pasta.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of macaroni (or any small pasta)
- Fresh thyme
- 1 apple (preferably pink lady)
- Creamy goat cheese
- Walnuts
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 cup of chicken broth
Sauteing the Apples:
To begin, start by dicing the apple. You can choose to peel it, but leaving the peel on adds a touch of color and nutrition. In a pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and saute the diced apple over medium heat for a couple of minutes. We want the edges to turn slightly golden.
Next, add a cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer) and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for just two minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and leave it as it is. This forms the flavorful base of our sauce.
Cooking the Macaroni and Preparing the Sauce:
While the apple mixture simmers, cook the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. Remember, pasta cooked in unsalted water lacks flavor, so be sure to add salt to your cooking water.
With the heat on the lowest setting, add a few tablespoons of creamy goat cheese to the apple broth mixture. Stir in the cheese slowly, allowing it to melt into the sauce. It’s crucial to maintain a low temperature to prevent the cheese from separating. Repeat this process until you have a thick and creamy goat cheese and applesauce.
Bringing It All Together:
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it, leaving a little moisture on the pasta. This will help the sauce adhere to the noodles better. Transfer the goat cheese sauce to the pot of drained pasta and mix everything together. The slight moisture on the noodles will ensure a smooth integration of flavors.
Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, and some finely minced thyme. These seasoning ingredients beautifully complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet apple flavors.
Finally, toss in about half a cup of chopped toasted walnuts to add an earthy crunch to the dish. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
FAQs
Q: Can this recipe be made without goat cheese?
A: While the goat cheese adds a unique flavor and creamy texture to the dish, it’s not easily replaceable. However, if you prefer, you can experiment with other creamy cheeses, but I highly recommend giving goat cheese a try.
Q: Can I modify this dish to suit my dietary needs?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to make substitutions or adjustments to cater to your dietary preferences or restrictions. However, keep in mind that altering the ingredients may change the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Conclusion
There you have it! A tantalizing Goat Cheese Apple Walnut Pasta recipe that will surely impress your taste buds. While it may not have worked as a full-fledged entree, it shines as a delightful side dish. The tangy goat cheese perfectly complements the sweet apples, herbaceous thyme, and the earthy crunch of walnuts.
If you’re planning a roast pork dinner, this pasta makes a fantastic accompaniment. The flavors harmonize beautifully, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, be sure to visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill and explore our wide range of delicious recipes. Enjoy!