Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, velvety goat cheese sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, topped with Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil for a delicious meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Cook the Pasta: 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.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the goat cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the cream, creating a rich sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Mix in the Add-Ins: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta in the creamy goat cheese sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency with more pasta water.
- Final Touches: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together for a couple of minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Divide the creamy goat cheese pasta onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a smoother texture.
- Use fresh goat cheese for a creamier sauce and best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce if desired.
- Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Keywords: Goat cheese pasta, creamy pasta sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta, quick Italian dinner, easy creamy pasta, garlic pasta, Parmesan pasta
