Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, where creamy goat's cheese meets sweet green peas in a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian countryside. This Pea Goat's Cheese Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary escape that takes just 20 minutes to create, proving that gourmet dining can be both simple and spectacular. Whether you're a busy professional craving a quick yet elegant dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is your secret weapon to an unforgettable dining experience.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 oz goat's cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of frozen peas, 4 oz of goat's cheese, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- During the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot. This will allow the peas to cook through without losing their vibrant color.
- Once the pasta and peas are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and peas in a colander.
- In the same pot, add 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 30 seconds.
- Add the drained pasta and peas back into the pot. Gently toss to coat them in the olive oil.
- Crumble the goat's cheese over the pasta and peas, and mix gently to combine. The heat from the pasta will help soften the cheese and create a creamy sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your delicious Pea Goat's Cheese Pasta!
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish. • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce. • Use fresh goat's cheese for the creamiest texture and most vibrant flavor. • Don't overcook the peas - you want them bright green and tender, not mushy. • For extra richness, try adding a small pat of butter when mixing the cheese into the hot pasta. • Fresh basil isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish. • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can briefly warm the goat's cheese with a splash of pasta water before mixing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 482kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 18g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
