Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta in Foil

This tomato goat cheese pasta is heated up in a foil packet, making it ideal for camping or backyard barbecues.

The tent, the canoe, the fishing rods, the sleeping bags...One of the highlights of our summers is packing up all of our camping gear and heading into the Uinta Mountains, east of Park City, Utah. We have our favorite spots, one in particular that is set right on the shores of a mountain lake tucked into the high altitude forest. With cooler temperatures, glassy lake water and placid surroundings, it is nothing short of idyllic. Nestled into the back of the truck, amidst the coolers and food boxes, is our Coleman camping stove, set up with fresh propane tanks and ready to perform dutifully.

Our traditional first-night dinner is the family's favorite pasta dish, noodles coated in basil pesto and tossed with grilled chicken and fresh vegetables. On the following nights, however, we often resort to lack-luster sandwiches or simple soups. We need a new traditional meal and I think these pasta foil packets just might fit the bill.

The pasta is cooked ahead of time (at home), rinsed in cold water and tightly packed into a resealable plastic bag. As you are setting the grill over the smoldering fire or lighting the camp stove, toss the pasta with some tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Simply divide the pasta between several pieces of foil, dollop on the goat cheese, seal, and set over the fire. In about 12 minutes, you'll be rewarded with a warm, flavorful pasta. The best part? Everyone gets to open their own little packet. That's always a hit with the kids!

I have to thank Lindsay of Eighty Twenty for this recipe. Lindsay is a dietitian who believes in the principle of "If you eat wholesome, healthy meals 80% of the time, then you get to indulge a bit 20% of the time." I can get behind that! Check out her site for recipes such as Almond Hummus (um, yum!), Bacon Pesto Corn Muffins and Ricotta Cantaloupe Toast.

To find the recipe for these pasta packets, and for additional step-by-step photos, head to the Tasty Kitchen blog.