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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta

    Published: May 25, 2022 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Plate of pasta, with text: Goat Cheese Rigatoni with spinach.
    Pasta on a plate, with text: How to make creamy goats cheese pasta.

    This 20-minute Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta recipe is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or weekend feast. The goat's cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy, and salty layer of flavor, while the spinach, basil, and parmesan add a touch of freshness. So good, you'll want to make this dish again and again!

    Close up of a plate of pasta.
    Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta

    This Goat Cheese Pasta is so quick and easy that it's a firm favorite at my house!

    It's full of flavor, creamy, and has layers of taste and textures. Plus, it's ready in just 20 minutes!

    If you've never tried goat's cheese before, you're missing out on one of the best flavors!

    Goat's cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It's also a great source of protein and calcium.

    So, if you're looking for a delicious and quick meal, look no further than this goat's cheese pasta recipe!

    Goat's cheese has a tangy and salty flavor that is similar to feta cheese. It's also a bit earthy which is perfect for pairing with vegetables.

    In this recipe, you'll make a quick creamy sauce using garlic, onions, and goat cheese. Then, add cooked pasta and spinach and toss until combined.

    The result is a delicious pasta dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients! So, if you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give this easy goat cheese pasta recipe a try for a busy weeknight or weekend dinner.

    Serve it up with a side of Leek Salad or a Green Salad and garlic bread for a full meal!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • More Pasta Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    The tangy and salty flavor of goat cheese melts down into a delicious creamy sauce.

    You can customize by changing up the pasta or greens to your liking.

    The entire dish is made in just 20 minutes or less which is perfect for when you're busy.

    Serve this goat cheese pasta as is or add protein for a well-rounded satisfying meal.

    Ingredients on a table.

    Ingredients

    • Pasta - Use pasta that holds sauce and flavor well. I used rigatoni because it's the perfect shape to balance all of the ingredients.
    • Vegetable Oil - Used to saute the garlic and onion to make them soft and fragrant.
    • Garlic & Onion - Adds bold garlic and onion flavor to the dish that pairs well with spinach and goat cheese.
    • Spinach - Gives the dish a pop of garden-fresh flavor and color along with nutrients.
    • Goat Cheese - Adds a tangy and salty flavor profile to the dish as it breaks down into a creamy sauce.
    • Salt & Pepper - Used to balance and enhance the flavors in this pasta dish to taste.
    • Garnish - Top this flavorful pasta dish with grated parmesan cheese, freshly chopped basil, and a pinch of red chili flakes for a slight kick of heat.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make this Pasta with Goat Cheese recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Boiling pasta, sautéing onions, adding goat cheese.

    Prepare the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set it aside.

    Saute the garlic and onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent but not browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute until fragrant.

    Assemble the goat cheese pasta: Add the pasta water to the onion and garlic mixture, then add the goat cheese. Stir the mixture until it melts into the vegetables. If needed, add additional pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

    Adding spinach and pasta to the pot.

    Add the pasta and spinach: To the creamy mixture, add the cooked pasta and spinach while the heat is on and stir until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly distributed.

    Garnish and serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper. Serve in dishes or bowls, then top with parmesan cheese, basil, and chili flakes. Enjoy!

    Top tips

    You may not need to use all of the pasta water to make the sauce, but make sure you reserve at least one cup. This will help to create a creamier sauce.

    Add in the garlic after the onions are cooked to prevent it from burning and adding a bitter taste to the dish.

    The goat cheese may not melt evenly into the pasta water at first, but keep stirring and it will eventually break down.

    If you want a bit more heat in your dish, feel free to add in some red pepper flakes right into the sauce and after for garnish.

    Variations

    Try other types of pasta in this recipe including penne, fusilli, or shells.

    Add in additional vegetables such as diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli.

    Replace the goat cheese and parmesan cheese with vegan parmesan cheese and vegan goats cheese for a dairy-free option.

    Use arugula, kale, collard greens, or chard instead of spinach in this pasta with goat cheese.

    Replace the goat cheese with feta cheese or ricotta cheese.

    For a bit more vegetarian protein, add in some white beans, chickpeas, or diced tofu.

    Table with a pasta full of spinach, goats cheese and topped with basil.

    Storage

    Storing: This pasta dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

    Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce.

    Freezing: This goat cheese pasta can also be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    FAQs

    Can you melt goat cheese in pasta?

    Yes! Just add goat cheese to the sauteed onions and garlic along with some of the reserved pasta water. Stir until it melts into a creamy sauce.

    Is goat cheese good for you?

    Goat cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. It also has a lower lactose content than cow's milk cheese.

    What does goat cheese taste like?

    Goat cheese has a tangy and salty flavor with a creamy texture. It can range from mild to sharp in taste, depending on how it is aged.

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Brussels Sprouts Pasta
    • Green Pasta
    • Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Butternut Squash
    • Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
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    📖 Recipe

    Plate of goat cheese pasta with spinach, on a table.

    Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This 20-minute Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta recipe is creamy and tangy, with freshness from the spinach, basil, and parmesan!
    5 from 5 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 474 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Saute pan or large frying pan

    Ingredients
     

    • 12 ounces pasta 350g (I used rigatoni)
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 1 onion finely diced
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 5 cups spinach 150g
    • 5 ounces goat's cheese 150g
    • ¼ teaspoons salt
    • ¼ teaspoons pepper

    To serve (optional)

    • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
    • 2 tablespoons basil freshly chopped
    • 2 teaspoons red chili flakes

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the pasta according to package instructions.
    • Meanwhile, heat the oil in large sautee pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent but not browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute.
    • When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and drain.
    • Add ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to the pan of onions, and stir in the goat’s cheese. Heat, stirring often, for 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Add more of the pasta cooking water if necessary to create a sauce.
    • Stir in the pasta and the spinach and heat until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Serve topped with the parmesan cheese, basil and chili flakes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 20gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 368mgPotassium: 481mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4253IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 149mgIron: 3mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      June 02, 2022 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious light pasta for the summer months! Loved it.

      Reply
    2. Kali Alexandria

      May 29, 2022 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is AMAZING! My family loved it.

      Reply
    3. Michele

      May 29, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      We loved this creamy pasta dish! The spinach and parmesan are a must! This will be on the regular rotation. Thanks so much.

      Reply
    4. Beth

      May 29, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      I love simple recipes that are also so full of flavor. The goat cheese is what really sold me on this one!

      Reply
    5. Caroline

      May 28, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Always good to have a few more easy pasta ideas up my sleeve, love how creamy this was and tasty too. This is a keeper!

      Reply

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
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    My cookbook

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    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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