Angel Hair with Sundried Tomato and Goat Cheese

 

I've had a few people recently ask me for recipe suggestions when cooking for small dinner parties (or just a dinner for two with their someone special).  Usually i'm asked to suggest something delicious but "easy".  Though cooking can seem intimidating for the novice cook - especially when you are cooking for others - following a recipe is easy peasy no matter what the dish is.  Even if you have no natural instinct in the kitchen, follow the steps and you will all be fine!  

In light of my recent "easy" recipe requests - I decided to blog a very simple pasta that is packed with flavor, great for entertaining, and takes very little time to make.

Angel Hair with Sundried Tomato and Goat Cheese (serves 4)

9 oz angel hair pasta
1 (10 oz) jar sundried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped(oil reserved)
1 medium Spanish onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 oz fresh goat cheese, hand crumbled
2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves


Heat 3 tbsp of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine and sundried tomatoes and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (angel hair cooks fairly quickly). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the tomato mixture and toss to coat, adding some reserved cooking liquid to moisten if needed. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each serving with the goat cheese and parsley - serve & enjoy!

xo Chef Natty