Wagon Wheel Pasta Goat Cheese Recipe Epicuriouscom Recipes

DUMP-AND-BAKE WAGON WHEEL PASTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch square baking dishes) with cooking spray.
• In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together dry (uncooked) pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt and basil (if using). Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake (covered) for 25 minutes.
• Remove dish from oven, take off cover, and give the pasta a stir. At this point it should be almost done, but still a bit firm ("al dente").
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5-10 minutes -- or just until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender.
• Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA WITH PANCETTA AND PEAS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the snap peas and simmer until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the pasta, cooked pancetta, edamame peas, petite peas, Parmesan, the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and mint leaves. Toss until coated, adding the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce. Transfer to a large bowl and serve.

BAKED GOAT CHEESE PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the tomatoes, garlic, shallot, oregano and red pepper flakes to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine. Nestle the goat cheese in the dish among the other ingredients and drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil. Bake until the tomatoes have blistered and the goat cheese has melted slightly, 22 to 25 minutes.
• While the tomatoes and goat cheese bake, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
• Remove the tomatoes and goat cheese from the oven. Add the pesto and begin tossing everything together, breaking up the goat cheese as you go and adding a little pasta water, until you have a creamy consistency. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Serve hot garnished with the fresh basil.

WAGON-WHEEL PASTA & GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta.
• 2. After 5 minutes, add the lima beans.
• 3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
• 4. When the pasta is ready, drain it with the beans (reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid), then return the pasta and beans to the pot along with the onion, crème fraîche, thyme (if using), salt, pepper, goat cheese, and the reserved water. Toss together and serve.