Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s silky, tangy, and packed with greens, then you’re in for a real treat with this Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy the sauce gets without any heavy cream, thanks to the goat cheese and a bit of reserved pasta water. It’s quick, simple, and honestly, one of those dishes I find myself making on busy weeknights or when friends come over unexpectedly.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Picking fresh, quality ingredients really makes all the difference in this Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe. Goat cheese gives it that tangy creaminess, while fresh baby spinach keeps things vibrant and nutritious. Don’t skip the fresh parmesan—it adds a lovely salty kick that rounds out the flavors.

• Pasta: I recommend any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine—it holds the sauce beautifully.
• Goat Cheese: Get good-quality fresh goat cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes a big difference for that authentic, sharp taste.
• Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten up the dish naturally.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the garlic for that inviting aroma.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with savory depth—don’t skip it!
• Baby Spinach: Fresh, packed spinach wilts quickly and adds a beautiful green pop.
• Fresh Basil (optional): My secret touch when I want a fragrant herbal note.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste—you’ll want to season well but taste as you go.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want it lighter, heartier, or even dairy-free, you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Protein Boost: I sometimes add shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp to turn it into a more filling meal my family loves.
• Vegetarian Mod: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add roasted cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap goat cheese for a vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan—still creamy and delicious!
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with thyme or oregano if you don’t have basil on hand.

How to Make Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly Al Dente

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente—it should have a slight bite to hold up better with the sauce. Here’s my top tip: before draining, scoop out about one cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water will work magic when creating that silky sauce you’ll love.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The kitchen will smell amazing right now, trust me! This step builds the foundation of your sauce’s flavor.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheeses

Reduce heat to medium-low and add your cooked pasta back into the pot. Toss it around so it gets coated with the butter and garlic. Then add the crumbled goat cheese, grated parmesan, and fresh lemon juice. Start adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring or tossing constantly until you achieve a creamy, silky sauce. Adding the water gradually is key—you want the sauce luscious, not watery.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Finish Seasoning

Now toss in the fresh spinach (and basil if you’re using it). Cover the pot just for a minute or two to let the spinach gently wilt—this keeps it tender but vibrant green. Give everything a good toss, then season with salt and pepper to taste. And just like that, you’ve got a gorgeous creamy pasta ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan and some cracked black pepper on top before serving. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish if you have them on hand—it adds color and an extra layer of flavor that really makes the dish pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to side for this pasta is a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette—it balances out the richness perfectly. Crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are also fantastic for scooping up any extra sauce. When I want to get a little fancy, roasted cherry tomatoes or a bowl of marinated olives make delightful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this pasta twirled elegantly on plates with a little extra crumbled goat cheese on top and a sprig of fresh basil. Another fun idea is to bake it briefly with a breadcrumb parmesan topping for added texture—a real crowd-pleaser if you want to impress without much extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Because of the goat cheese sauce, it can thicken in the fridge, but the texture is still great once reheated with a splash of water or broth.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this pasta because the spinach can lose its texture, and the sauce may separate. But if you want to, freeze in a sealed container without spinach, then add fresh spinach when reheating. This way, it tastes fresher and less watery.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce back up. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between to keep it creamy and avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients that feel special. Every time I make it, the creamy tangy sauce combined with fresh spinach and bright lemon makes me want to savor every bite. I really hope you give this one a try and find it as comforting and easy as I do. Promise, your dinner table will thank you!

Print