Name: Creamy Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 8 oz goat cheese; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan; 1/4 cup fresh basil (torn); 1 tsp hot honey

This creamy goat cheese tomato pasta is the viral baked feta pasta with a tangy goat cheese upgrade. A log of goat cheese roasts in the oven with cherry tomatoes and garlic until everything is soft and jammy, then you stir it into a silky sauce and toss in the pasta. This baked goat cheese pasta takes about 35 minutes and almost no effort.

A drizzle of hot honey, fresh basil and Parmesan at the end make it taste restaurant-worthy. If you love easy pasta nights, you will also want my Creamy Pesto Garden Pasta and Easy 10-Minute Creamy Tomato Sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta

Hands-off sauce. The oven does the work while the pasta boils.
Creamy without cream. Roasted goat cheese melts into a silky, tangy sauce.
Sweet heat from a little hot honey that makes every bite pop.
Only 13 ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry.

Ingredients for Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta

The Sauce

An 8 oz log of goat cheese is the star. Cherry tomatoes burst in the oven and turn sweet, and fresh garlic roasts right alongside them in olive oil.

The Seasoning

Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper keep it simple and flavorful.

The Pasta

Any short pasta works. I like rigatoni, penne or cavatappi because they catch all the creamy sauce.

The Finish

Freshly grated Parmesan, torn fresh basil and a drizzle of hot honey.

Swap note: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free goat cheese pasta. If hot honey is too spicy for your crew, use regular honey and skip the red pepper flakes.

How to Make Baked Goat Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Prep the baking dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the goat cheese in the center of a baking dish and scatter the cherry tomatoes and garlic around it. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and toss the tomatoes to coat.

Step 2: Roast

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting and the goat cheese is soft and lightly golden.

Step 3: Boil the pasta

While it roasts, cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the sauce

Take the dish out of the oven and stir the goat cheese and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce. Add the pasta and toss until every piece is coated, adding a splash of pasta water if it looks thick.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of hot honey and Parmesan, then dig in.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Use a dish that fits. A baking dish where the tomatoes sit in one layer helps them roast instead of steam.
Save that pasta water. A splash loosens the sauce and makes it extra glossy.
Room temp goat cheese melts a little more evenly, so pull it out while the oven preheats.
Hot honey last. Add it right before serving so the sweet heat stays bright.

Make It Your Own

Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp or Italian sausage.
Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of spinach or arugula with the hot pasta so it wilts.
Classic feta: Swap the goat cheese for a block of feta for the original viral version.
Garlicky: Roast a whole head of garlic cloves alongside the tomatoes.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Roast the tomatoes and goat cheese up to 2 days ahead and keep the sauce in the fridge. Warm it in a skillet with a splash of pasta water and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

What to Serve With Goat Cheese Pasta

This goat cheese pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, garlic bread or roasted broccoli. For a bigger spread, add The Best Air Fryer Chicken on the side.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or milk so the sauce gets creamy again. I do not recommend freezing it since the goat cheese sauce can turn grainy.

What People Ask About Goat Cheese Pasta

Can I use feta instead of goat cheese in this pasta?

Yes. A block of feta works the same way and gives you the original baked feta pasta, just a little saltier and less creamy.

What pasta is best for goat cheese pasta?

Short shapes like rigatoni, penne, shells or cavatappi hold onto the creamy sauce best.

Can I make baked goat cheese pasta without hot honey?

Yes. Use regular honey or skip it completely. The hot honey just adds a little sweet heat.

How do I keep the sauce from getting thick?

Stir in reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it is silky.