Tomato Sausage Goat Cheese Pasta

So much flavor is packed into every bite of this tomato and sausage pasta with creamy goat cheese The homemade tomato sauce simmers low and slow to concentrate its richness and after tossing with your favorite pasta everything gets finished with velvety goat cheese for a truly crowd pleasing meal

I first made this when I was craving comfort food that felt a little fancy The creamy goat cheese was such a hit that now it is always requested

Ingredients

• Ground sausage: Brings savory hearty flavor Try to find one with a good mix of herbs
• Shallot or onion: Adds a sweet aromatic base Red or yellow onion works in a pinch
• Garlic: Essential for building depth Choose firm plump cloves
• Olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly Use a high quality extra virgin if possible
• Sugar: Balances acidity in tomatoes White or raw cane sugar both work
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors Use kosher salt for seasoning to taste
• Balsamic vinegar: Brings tangy notes Choose an aged bottle for richer depth
• Oregano and thyme: Provide classic Italian herby flavor Fresh always pops but dried works well
• Diced tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce Choose high quality canned or fresh summer tomatoes if possible
• Goat cheese: Melts in and adds creamy tang Look for a log style for easy mixing
• Red pepper flakes: Optional for a hint of heat Adjust to your spice level
• Your favorite pasta: Shaped pastas like rigatoni or penne hold sauce well Choose a brand with a good chew
• Parmesan cheese: Finishes with umami richness Grate fresh if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the aromatics:

Slice the shallot or small onion thin and chop your garlic Keep everything ready to go to speed up the process

Cook the shallot base:

Heat a large pan on medium with olive oil Add the shallots with a sprinkle of salt and sugar Gently cook for five minutes until soft and golden This gives the sauce sweetness and complexity

Brown the sausage:

Add the ground sausage to the pan Use a wooden spoon to break it up and spread it out Let it brown deeply for about ten minutes Stir occasionally for even color Good browning is essential for flavor

Drain excess fat:

If there is more fat than you want carefully spoon some out to keep the sauce rich but not greasy

Build the flavor:

Add in the chopped garlic balsamic vinegar oregano and thyme Stir for one minute until everything is fragrant This wakes up all the flavors before adding tomatoes

Simmer the sauce:

Stir in diced tomatoes until fully combined Cover the pan and lower the heat Simmer for thirty minutes stirring once or twice This makes the sauce thick and lets all the ingredients meld together

Cook the pasta:

While the sauce is simmering boil a large pot of water Add enough salt so the water tastes just a little salty Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente

Finish the sauce:

Once the sauce is ready stir in goat cheese and red pepper flakes Let the goat cheese melt in fully so everything gets creamy and luscious

Toss pasta and serve:

Add drained hot pasta right into the tomato sauce Toss everything until the pasta is fully coated Top each bowl with extra chunks of goat cheese and a shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese Serve hot

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Every time I make this I am reminded how magical goat cheese is in pasta It melts into the sauce making everything taste extra luxurious My family loves this so much it disappears before it even hits the table

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The flavors deepen overnight Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap pork sausage for turkey chicken or plant-based sausage to suit your needs If you want a lighter option use low fat goat cheese or skip parmesan altogether Crushed tomatoes can stand in for diced if needed

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread For special occasions add a glass of red wine and roasted vegetables on the side

Cultural Context

Sausage and tomato sauces are a classic comfort combination in many southern Italian kitchens The addition of goat cheese brings a modern and creamy twist while still celebrating Italy’s love for hearty and satisfying pasta dishes

Recipe FAQs

→ How does goat cheese enhance the dish?

Goat cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the savory sausage and tomato flavors.

→ Can another meat be used in place of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well and absorb the flavors of the sauce and herbs just as beautifully.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Tubular shapes like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are also great choices.

→ How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste, or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat in the final dish.

→ Is the sauce best cooked fresh or can it be made ahead?

The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; in fact, the flavors deepen after a day, making leftovers even tastier.