Description
This Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta is a quick and delicious dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a creamy blend of goat cheese, parmesan, and fresh lemon juice, complemented by sautéed garlic and fresh spinach. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Paste
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Cheeses
- 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Flavorings and Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Using the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create creamy pasta sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, return the cooked pasta to the pot, and stir in the crumbled goat cheese, grated parmesan, and fresh lemon juice. Gradually add the reserved pasta water little by little while stirring and tossing until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.
- Add spinach and basil: Mix in the fresh baby spinach and optional chopped basil. Cover the pot for one to two minutes to allow the spinach to wilt gently into the pasta.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Calling all goat cheese lovers! This spinach goat cheese pasta recipe is loaded with fresh spinach and a touch of lemon for bright flavor.
- The reserved pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce without adding cream.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a wonderful herbal note to the dish.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as the sauce thickens upon standing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 336 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
