Description
This Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender pasta with tangy goat cheese, fresh baby spinach, and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Cheeses & Dairy
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Other
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese, grated parmesan, and lemon juice. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring and tossing, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency coating the pasta evenly.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach and optional chopped basil to the pasta. Toss everything together, then cover the pot and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt gently.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Calling all goat cheese lovers! This recipe is loaded with fresh spinach and a touch of lemon to brighten up the creamy cheese base.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully to create the perfect sauce consistency without it becoming watery or clumpy.
- For an extra burst of freshness, add chopped fresh basil but it’s optional.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the silky texture and vibrant spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 336 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
