Description
A quick and creamy Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta featuring tender pasta tossed with tangy goat cheese, freshly grated parmesan, garlic, and vibrant baby spinach, finished with a hint of lemon juice for brightness. This simple, flavorful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
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
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Other
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente following package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta back into the pot. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese, grated parmesan, and lemon juice. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Add Greens and Season: Toss in the baby spinach and chopped basil if using. Cover the pot for 1-2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste, give everything a good toss, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish is a go-to for goat cheese enthusiasts, combining fresh spinach and a hint of lemon for brightness.
- Reserving pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce without adding cream.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to your taste preference.
- Consider adding toasted pine nuts or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 369
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 336 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
