Name: Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti); 6 oz (170g) creamy goat cheese; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust according to taste); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Introduction

Enjoy a luscious dish that combines the tangy richness of goat cheese with a creamy sauce, perfectly coating your favorite pasta. This Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is quick to make and packed with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach.

A close-up view of creamy fettuccine pasta piled in layers inside a white bowl, showing wide yellow noodles coated with a rich, smooth white sauce with small green spinach pieces mixed throughout. On top, the pasta is sprinkled unevenly with white grated cheese and black pepper, adding texture and tiny dark and white dots. Bright red dried chili pieces are scattered across the pasta, adding spots of color, and three fresh green basil leaves sit in the center as garnish. The background is a soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
6 oz (170g) creamy goat cheese
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust according to taste)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the goat cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the cream to create a rich sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy goat cheese sauce. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together for a couple of minutes until heated through and well combined.
Step 7: Serve the creamy goat cheese pasta in bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of goat cheese slightly.
Use roasted cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms to boost protein and texture.
Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spiciness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with creamy pasta made of wide, flat noodles coated in a rich, light orange sauce that looks smooth and thick. There are small dark red dried tomato pieces scattered on top and a sprinkle of black pepper and coarse salt spread evenly across the pasta. In the center, two fresh green basil leaves add a pop of color. The bowl is dark and contrasts with the white marbled surface beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes, but the unique tangy flavor of goat cheese will be less pronounced.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and follow the recipe as usual.