This creamy goat cheese and roasted red pepper risoni is a Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. With the richness of tangy goat cheese and the sweet smokiness of fire-roasted red peppers, it tastes like a gourmet meal but is simple enough for any night of the week.
Perfect as a standalone vegetarian dinner or a savory side dish, this recipe combines the silky texture of orzo with briny olives, tomato passata, and fresh herbs. It’s comforting, vibrant, and incredibly easy to prepare — the kind of meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Full Recipe:
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250g (8oz) risoni pasta (orzo)
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2 tsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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310g (10oz) jar fire-roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
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2 cups tomato passata (or tomato puree)
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1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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120g (4oz) soft goat cheese (creamy feta-style)
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1 cup fresh basil leaves or 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Bring a pot of water to boil. Add salt and cook risoni until just under al dente (approx. 8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and rinse risoni under cool water.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and chopped roasted peppers. Cook for 2 more minutes.
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Stir in tomato passata and olives. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add risoni, reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Add most of the goat cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy sauce.
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Fold in basil or parsley (if using). Serve hot with crumbled goat cheese and herbs on top.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 452 kcal | Servings: 4
An Irresistible Mediterranean-Inspired Dish That’s Ready in 20 Minutes
When life calls for a comforting yet sophisticated meal that doesn’t keep you tethered to the kitchen for hours, Creamy Goat Cheese Roasted Red Pepper Risoni steps up as the perfect solution. This dish is not only rich in Mediterranean flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a staple for weeknight dinners or elegant side offerings for guests.
With its silky texture, bold ingredients, and comforting warmth, this risoni (also known as orzo in many parts of the world) recipe brings together the creamy tang of goat cheese with the sweet smokiness of fire-roasted red peppers. The combination delivers a dish that feels gourmet without the gourmet-level effort.
The Appeal of Risoni (Orzo): Comforting and Versatile
Risoni, a rice-shaped pasta often referred to as orzo, has been a beloved pantry staple for generations. Its shape lends itself beautifully to creamy pasta dishes because it mimics the consistency of risotto, but with far less effort. Unlike traditional risotto, which requires constant stirring and careful timing, risoni cooks quickly and doesn’t need as much babysitting.
Because of its versatility, risoni is often used in soups, cold pasta salads, or as a base for hearty one-pan meals. In this particular recipe, it serves as the ideal canvas to absorb the rich tomato passata and melted goat cheese, resulting in an oozy, luxurious texture that rivals even the most decadent risottos.
The Power of Goat Cheese in Cooking
Goat cheese brings a distinctive, slightly tangy, and creamy flavor that elevates simple dishes to something truly memorable. In this risoni dish, it acts as the primary flavor enhancer, giving the pasta its signature creamy finish without needing butter or heavy cream.
The beauty of goat cheese is in its ability to melt quickly into hot sauces, lending a velvety richness with minimal effort. Plus, it’s generally more digestible than cow’s milk cheese for those with sensitivities, making this recipe a more inclusive option for various dietary preferences.
Notably, the creamy feta-style goat cheese used here is soft, spreadable, and melts beautifully, allowing the flavors to unify effortlessly across the dish. If goat cheese is unavailable, suitable alternatives like Danish feta, sour cream, or Greek yogurt can still produce delicious results.
Fire-Roasted Red Peppers: A Shortcut to Deep Flavor
Jarred fire-roasted red peppers, often found in the pickle or antipasto aisle of supermarkets, are one of the best flavor shortcuts any home cook can keep on hand. These peppers are charred to perfection before being packed in brine or oil, giving them a soft texture and deep smoky-sweet taste that permeates whatever dish they’re added to.
In this recipe, they pair seamlessly with the tomato base and goat cheese, adding complexity without additional work. The peppers not only boost flavor but also bring vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness, creating an aesthetically pleasing and satisfying bite every time.
Using store-bought roasted peppers saves time and keeps prep minimal while offering a gourmet-level result. For those who prefer a homemade touch, roasting your own red bell peppers in the oven is always an option, though not necessary when speed is a priority.
Tomato Passata: The Backbone of the Sauce
Tomato passata, or pureed strained tomatoes, is a pantry MVP in many Mediterranean kitchens. Unlike chunky canned tomatoes or pre-flavored pasta sauces, passata offers a smooth, rich tomato flavor that’s ideal for thick, cohesive sauces.
In this dish, it forms the base of the creamy sauce, mingling with the briny olives, soft red onion, and melty goat cheese to create something far more complex than the short ingredient list would suggest. The passata’s richness is balanced by the goat cheese’s tang and the smoky sweetness of the peppers.
The end result is a sauce that clings perfectly to every grain of risoni, ensuring that each spoonful delivers a consistent and satisfying burst of flavor.
The Magic of Kalamata Olives and Aromatics
Every good Mediterranean-inspired dish deserves a briny pop, and sliced Kalamata olives provide just that. Known for their rich, fruity flavor and dark purple hue, these olives complement the smokiness of the peppers and the creaminess of the cheese while adding texture and depth.
When paired with aromatics like red onion and garlic, the overall profile of the dish becomes layered and dynamic. The onion is sautéed until just softened, allowing its natural sweetness to emerge, while the garlic provides warmth and richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Together, these elements create a sauce that’s bold and flavorful but still harmoniously balanced—a key trait of well-crafted Mediterranean cuisine.
A Flexible Dish for Any Occasion
One of the most attractive features of this dish is its flexibility. It works beautifully as a vegetarian main course, thanks to its hearty pasta base and robust flavor. At the same time, it also shines as a side dish, complementing a variety of proteins such as grilled fish, roasted chicken, or marinated pork chops.
Because it’s made in one pan and comes together in around 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but satisfying. The minimal prep work and short cooking time mean you can get dinner on the table without stress while still delivering a dish that feels special.
Additionally, the risoni reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping. A quick splash of water when reheating brings the dish back to its original creamy consistency, making it just as enjoyable the next day.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate the presentation of this dish, consider topping each serving with a few reserved crumbles of goat cheese, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also brightens the flavor just before serving.
Serving the risoni in shallow bowls or wide pasta plates allows the sauce to pool gently, offering that inviting “oozy” look reminiscent of risotto. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir to complete the Mediterranean experience.
Why This Dish Deserves a Place in Your Rotation
Creamy Goat Cheese Roasted Red Pepper Risoni ticks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, comforting, and versatile. It uses accessible ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores and turns them into a dish that tastes far more luxurious than its humble origins suggest.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or entertaining guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. The unique flavor profile appeals to a wide range of palates, and the preparation is simple enough for novice cooks to handle with confidence.
Plus, it’s an excellent example of how vegetarian meals can be rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying—no meat required.
Conclusion: A New Favorite for Your Recipe Box
In a world where quick meals often lack complexity or comfort, Creamy Goat Cheese Roasted Red Pepper Risoni stands out as a weeknight hero. With its luscious texture, bold Mediterranean flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.
It’s proof that with the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something that feels truly special. Whether served as a main dish or a flavorful side, this risoni is bound to become a staple in your home—and a favorite among friends and family.