Creamy Lemon Goat Cheese Tortellini
This creamy lemon goat cheese tortellini tastes restaurant-worthy but takes just 20 minutes. Cheese tortellini gets tossed in a silky sauce made from goat cheese, cream, garlic, lemon and Parmesan, then topped with crispy prosciutto, fresh basil and a drizzle of hot honey. This lemon goat cheese pasta is creamy, bright and so easy.
Goat cheese fans should also try my Creamy Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Goat Cheese Tortellini
- Ready in 20 minutes.
- Silky lemon goat cheese sauce.
- Crispy prosciutto and hot honey.
- Restaurant-worthy with simple ingredients.
Ingredients for Lemon Goat Cheese Tortellini
The Pasta
Cheese tortellini and reserved pasta water.
The Lemon Goat Cheese Sauce
Goat cheese, heavy cream, sliced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
The Toppings
Crispy prosciutto, fresh basil and optional hot honey.
Swap note: Skip the prosciutto for a vegetarian dinner. Use gluten-free tortellini if needed.
How to Make Goat Cheese Tortellini
Step 1: Cook the tortellini
Boil the tortellini in well-salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Crisp the prosciutto
Crisp the prosciutto in a skillet over medium heat, then remove and chop.
Step 3: Toast the garlic
Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook the garlic until lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the goat cheese and pasta water until smooth, then the cream. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt and pepper.
Step 5: Toss and top
Add the tortellini and toss, loosening with pasta water if needed. Top with prosciutto, basil, red pepper flakes and hot honey.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Reserve the pasta water. It makes the sauce silky.
- Keep the heat low so the goat cheese melts smoothly.
- Adjust the lemon to your taste.
- Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy finish.
Make It Your Own
- Peas: Stir in peas or spinach.
- Chicken: Add grilled chicken.
- Bacon: Swap prosciutto for crispy bacon.
- Ravioli: Use cheese ravioli.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: This pasta is best fresh, but you can crisp the prosciutto a day ahead.
What to Serve With Goat Cheese Tortellini
Serve with an arugula salad, roasted asparagus or garlic bread.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water.
What People Ask About Goat Cheese Tortellini
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Ravioli or short pasta work.
How do I keep goat cheese sauce smooth?
Use low heat and pasta water.
Can I make it without prosciutto?
Yes. It is delicious vegetarian.
What is hot honey?
Honey infused with chili for sweet heat.
Creamy Lemon Goat Cheese Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the tortellini in well-salted water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the tortellini cooks, crisp the prosciutto in a skillet over medium heat. Remove it from the skillet and chop.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook the sliced garlic until it is lightly golden.
- Lower the heat and stir in the goat cheese and reserved pasta water until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the lemon zest, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat. Loosen the sauce with more pasta water if needed.
- Finish the dish by topping it with the chopped prosciutto, torn basil, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of hot honey, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Reserve the pasta water before draining as it helps create a silky sauce.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Hot honey adds a unique sweet and spicy flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
