Description
This creamy goat cheese & roasted red pepper risoni is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal or a side. The smoky sweetness of fire-roasted red peppers, briny olives, and tangy goat cheese create a luscious sauce that coats the orzo like a risotto. Serve it on its own or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a high-protein dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta:
- 250g (8 oz) risoni (orzo) or other small pasta (ditalini, tiny stars)
- 2 tsp kosher salt (for cooking pasta)
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion, halved and sliced into thin strips (sub regular onion)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 310g (10 oz) jar fire-roasted red peppers, drained and chopped into 1” pieces
- 2 cups tomato passata (or tomato purée)
- 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives (or other briny ingredient like pickles, chopped)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 120g (4 oz) creamy goat cheese (or feta-style goat cheese)
Finishing Touches (Choose One):
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook risoni until just under al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and rinse pasta briefly.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large 12” non-stick skillet over high heat.
- Sauté onion for 2 minutes, then add garlic and roasted red peppers. Cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato passata and olives. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the Dish:
- Add cooked risoni, salt, pepper, and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Add most of the goat cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
Garnish & Serve:
- Stir in basil or parsley. Divide into bowls.
- Crumble the remaining goat cheese on top, garnish with extra basil or parsley, and serve!
Notes
- Roasted Peppers: If using homemade roasted red peppers, ensure they’re soft and smoky.
- Cheese Substitute: If you don’t have creamy goat cheese, use feta, ricotta, or cream cheese for a similar effect.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or pork chops for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg