FIRE ISLAND BURST TOMATO PASTA WITH LEMON HERBED GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Fire Island Burst Tomato Pasta with Lemon Herbed Goat Cheese Balls image

Provided by Nikki Dinki, Food Network Star Season 9 Finalist

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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6 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 pints cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 pound linguini
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 lemon, zested
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Extra-virgin olive oil, for finishing, optional

Steps:

For the pasta: In a large saute pan, saute the garlic in the olive oil until tender and fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, season with salt and cook until the tomatoes start to burst. Squash the tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
Add the rosemary, thyme and cheese and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving the pasta water. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss. Add some salt and extra pasta water if needed.
For the goat cheese balls: Add the basil, mint, rosemary, thyme and lemon zest to the goat cheese. Form 9 to 12 small balls.
Served the pasta topped with the basil, mint and goat cheese balls. Finish with olive oil if desired.