Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta

Creamy pasta dishes have a special place in the hearts of home cooks and food lovers alike. Their rich textures and comforting flavors make them a go-to option for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. Among the myriad of creamy pasta recipes, one stands out for its unique ability to transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience: Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Delight. This dish not only showcases the rich, tangy flavor of goat cheese but also offers an easy preparation process that can impress guests or satisfy a craving for something special.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Delight, a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe features fresh goat cheese that creates a luscious, creamy sauce, perfectly complemented by sautéed garlic, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Easy to prepare, this pasta dish captures the essence of gourmet cooking at home. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this delightful meal is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite type)

6 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup spinach (fresh preferable or thawed and drained if frozen)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining the pasta, reserve approximately 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to aid in sauce consistency. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until all the ingredients are fragrant.

Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Incorporate the spinach and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted (if using fresh) and the cherry tomatoes are slightly softened.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to a simmer and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly. Crumble the goat cheese into the skillet, mixing it in until it melts and combines into a creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Combine Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to ensure all the pasta is well-coated with the creamy goat cheese sauce. Stir in the lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve: To plate, twirl the pasta onto serving dishes and garnish with fresh basil leaves. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional crumbled goat cheese on top. Serve warm and savor the delightful flavors!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings