Comforting, creamy, and bursting with roasted goodness — this Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Risoni is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a big bowl and savor every bite. The tender orzo (also called risoni) acts like a pasta-rice hybrid, soaking up all the smoky sweetness of red peppers and the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. It’s cozy, colorful, and ready to impress.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life one night when I wanted something fast, filling, and full of flavor. I had a jar of roasted red peppers, some orzo in the pantry, and a log of goat cheese I wasn’t sure what to do with. I tossed them all together with a few pantry staples and suddenly I had this luscious, slightly tangy, totally craveable pasta dish. Since then, it’s been my go-to when I want something easy but elevated.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Orzo, also known as risoni, is a rice-shaped pasta that’s popular across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s often used in soups, pilafs, or baked dishes. This version leans Italian in spirit, combining the classic flavor of roasted red peppers and creamy goat cheese for a dish that feels both rustic and restaurant-worthy. The pairing of smoky and tangy notes is a timeless combo that delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Risoni

This isn’t just a pasta dish — it’s a bowl of pure comfort with a gourmet twist.

Versatile: Serve it as a main, side, or toss in extras like chicken or veggies.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry-friendly ingredients with big flavor.
Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable: Add heat, swap the cheese, or mix in fresh greens.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, colorful, and satisfying for all palates.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce and orzo can be made ahead and mixed later.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Creaminess and bold flavor are just a few smart moves away.

Cook the orzo al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Use jarred roasted red peppers to save time — just drain well.
Stir goat cheese in while the pasta is hot so it melts evenly.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Add the fresh basil right before serving to keep it vibrant.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This dish is easy to make with basic kitchen tools.

Large Pot: For boiling the orzo.
Skillet or Saucepan: To simmer the sauce and combine everything.
Colander: For draining pasta.
Blender or Food Processor: Optional, to puree the red pepper sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring it all together.

Ingredients in Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Risoni

Each ingredient contributes to the creamy, savory depth of the dish.

Orzo (Risoni): 1 1/2 cups — Small pasta that soaks up sauce beautifully.
Goat Cheese: 4 ounces — Tangy, creamy, and melts into luscious pockets.
Roasted Red Peppers: 1 cup, chopped — Smoky sweetness and color.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons — Adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced — A savory backbone.
Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon — Deepens the flavor and adds umami.
Vegetable Broth: 1/2 cup — Helps loosen the sauce and adds savory depth.
Salt and Pepper: To taste — Essential seasoning.
Fresh Basil: A handful, torn — For brightness and aroma.
Black Olives (Optional): 1/4 cup, sliced — For briny contrast.
Crushed Red Pepper (Optional): A pinch — For gentle heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Easily swap things in or out based on your pantry.

Goat Cheese: Use cream cheese or feta for a different tang.
Orzo: Any small pasta shape like ditalini or even couscous.
Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth or reserved pasta water works too.
Roasted Peppers: Roast your own or use jarred.
Basil: Sub with parsley, arugula, or even baby spinach.

Ingredient Spotlight

Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts into the orzo to create that signature luscious texture and flavor.
Roasted Red Peppers: They add natural sweetness, smokiness, and a beautiful pop of color — plus they blend perfectly into the sauce.

Instructions for Making Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Risoni

Let’s bring it all together in just a few simple steps.

Preheat Your Equipment:
No oven needed here — just set a large pot of water on to boil.
Combine Ingredients:
Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Assemble the Dish:
Add roasted red peppers and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, then blend until smooth (if desired). Return to pan.
Cook to Perfection:
Stir in the cooked orzo and goat cheese while still hot. Mix until creamy. Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
Finishing Touches:
Stir in olives and torn basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon into bowls and top with extra basil or crumbled goat cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Creamy goat cheese melts into every groove of the orzo, while the roasted peppers give it a silky, smoky base. The dish is soft and tender, with the olives and herbs adding just enough contrast to keep things exciting.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Turn it into your new favorite weeknight dinner with these tips:

Double the batch — it’s great for meal prep.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for more veggies.
Crumble extra goat cheese on top right before serving.

What to Avoid

A few easy pitfalls to skip:

Don’t overcook the orzo — it gets mushy fast.
Avoid adding goat cheese too early or it can clump.
Don’t skip seasoning — salt brings out all the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cooked orzo can also be prepped ahead, then just reheat and combine with the goat cheese before serving. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Risoni

Serve warm in deep bowls with a big spoon, topped with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main or a bold side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Here’s how to keep it interesting with leftovers:

Stuffed Peppers: Use it as a filling with extra cheese on top.
Grain Bowl Base: Toss with arugula and chickpeas for a hearty salad.
Creamy Baked Risoni: Mix with a little more cheese, top with breadcrumbs, and bake.

Additional Tips

To amplify the smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or char the peppers briefly. Want more richness? Stir in a splash of cream or a knob of butter at the end.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve it in a black or deep-toned bowl to make the colors pop. Garnish with whole basil leaves and a crumble of goat cheese for a rustic, restaurant-worthy finish. A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it over the top.

Variations to Try

Spicy Risoni: Add harissa or chili flakes for heat.
Lemon-Herb Twist: Stir in lemon zest and fresh dill for a bright finish.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra substance.
Cream-Free Option: Skip the goat cheese and stir in hummus instead.
Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a bubbly finish.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this dairy-free?

A1: Yes, use a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream instead of goat cheese.

Q2: Is this dish spicy?

A2: Not unless you add crushed red pepper — it’s mellow and creamy by default.

Q3: Can I freeze this recipe?

A3: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to a month.

Q4: What kind of goat cheese should I use?

A4: A soft, plain goat cheese log works best — it melts smoothly into the pasta.

Q5: Is orzo gluten-free?

A5: Traditional orzo isn’t, but you can find gluten-free versions at most stores.

Q6: Can I add vegetables?

A6: Absolutely — spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great.

Q7: What if I don’t have a blender?

A7: Just finely chop the peppers and skip blending — it’ll still be delicious.

Q8: How do I keep it from drying out?

A8: Add reserved pasta water or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Q9: Can I use feta instead of goat cheese?

A9: Yes, but it will be saltier and slightly firmer in texture.

Q10: How can I make it more filling?

A10: Add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans.

Conclusion

Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Risoni is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. With its silky texture, bold flavor, and vibrant colors, it turns a simple pantry dinner into something truly special. Trust me, this one’s worth every single bite.