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.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Such a brilliant idea!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
Sounds like a great philosophy and a great camping meal.
Maria
I don't camp, but I love this idea:)
Roz@weightingfor50
Love the idea of a pasta dish in foil. Thanks Dara!!!!!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
My daughter's family loves camping! They go every chance they get during the summer months. Definitely passing this on to her for their next camping trip.
Jen @ Savory Simple
What a creative idea! I don't go camping very often these days but I really wish I had known about this back in the day.
Barbara | Creative Culinary
You could possible get me camping again with meals like this. I mean really Dara...goat cheese in the woods? You go girl!
Amy Tong
Love how convenience this recipe is. 🙂 Can't wait to make this on my next camping trip. I love that 80/20 idea. I'm going to remember that.
Krista
Oh my goodness...I could go for that right now for breakfast! That looks incredible and I love that it replaces a more traditional meat and potatoes foil packet.
Laurie @SimplyScratch
I love cooking in foil packets. Easy-peasy and less to clean up! These look fab!