Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, luxurious pasta dish that combines the earthy richness of spinach, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, and the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts. This Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece in just 20 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a home cook craving something extraordinary, this Italian-inspired recipe will become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the linguine.
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with spinach. Crumble goat cheese over the pasta and toss gently to combine.
- If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top of the pasta just before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional goat cheese crumbles if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the linguine.
- Toast Nuts Carefully: When toasting walnuts, watch them closely and stir frequently. They can burn quickly! Remove from heat when they're fragrant and lightly golden.
- Don't Overcook the Spinach: Add spinach at the last minute and cook just until wilted to preserve its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The goat cheese melts beautifully when the pasta is warm, creating a creamy texture.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, or some fresh basil leaves as a final garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
