1-How to Prepare the Perfect Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta: Getting started with this Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is straightforward and fun. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the 12 ounces of dry penne pasta until it’s al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining; it helps with the sauce later.

2-Next: in a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base without overwhelming the dish.

3-Then: lower the heat and stir in the 6 ounces of soft goat cheese along with 1 cup of half and half. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take just a minute or two. For more on health benefits, read about the health benefits of goat cheese to see why it’s a great choice.

4-Reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked penne along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything to coat the pasta evenly and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes.

5-If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed. Mix in the ¼ cup of sliced fresh basil, season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, then add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the zest from 1 lemon.

6-Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and serve right away.