Goat Cheese And Arugula Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a dish that feels like a tight-knit hug from your favorite sweater, and this Goat Cheese and Arugula Pasta is exactly that—comfort wrapped in sophistication and a touch of zest.

This Goat Cheese and Arugula Pasta is a marvel of simplicity and elegance. With 12 ounces of your pasta of choice, a generous 4 cups of peppery baby arugula, and creamy goat cheese, you’re working with a delightful balance of flavors.

I like how the lemon zest and juice brighten the dish while toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch. Could anything be more perfect for a simple, nutritious dinner ready in the time it takes to boil water?

Goat Cheese And Arugula Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Goat Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium, offering a creamy texture.
• Arugula: Peppery green with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and low calories.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess, vitamin C boost, and helps enhance flavors.
• Garlic: Offers pungent flavor, with antibacterial and heart health benefits.
• Pasta: Source of carbohydrates, providing energy and satiety.

Goat Cheese And Arugula Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 4 cups baby arugula
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make this Goat Cheese And Arugula Pasta Recipe

1. Prepare the pasta as per the package directions until it is a la dente, and then, without hesitation, promptly drain the pasta, making sure to hold on to 1/2 cup of the water that makes the pasta a submarine sandwich.

2. As the pasta cooks, take a large bowl and in it combine the goat cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir the mixture together until the goat cheese commences to soften and reach a creamy state.

3. If using pine nuts, toast them in a small pan over low heat until they are golden brown, and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

5. In the bowl with the goat cheese mixture, add the hot, drained pasta. Toss well to coat the pasta with the cheese as it melts and forms a creamy sauce.

6. Little by little, add the retained pasta cooking water until your sauce reaches the consistency you want. Why do we do this? Because you want a sauce that clings to, rather than drowns, your pasta.

7. Fold in the sautéed minced garlic and baby arugula, and toss until the arugula is slightly wilting from the heat of the pasta.

8. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

9. If you are using them, mix in gently the toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Garnish right before serving with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, or as many pine nuts as you like. Then serve and enjoy this Goat Cheese and Arugula Pasta!

Goat Cheese And Arugula Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Large bowl
6. Small pan
7. Skillet
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Zester or grater
10. Garlic press (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Absolutely, you can use any pasta you like instead, be it spaghetti or farfalle, to cater to your tastes.
• Is there a substitute for goat cheese?If you don’t prefer goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or a soft cheese like ricotta.
• How can I make the dish more filling?Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to boost the protein content and lend more heft to it.
• Can I use regular arugula instead of baby arugula?Certainly! You can use common arugula, but its flavor is more fiery. Alter the amount if you want the flavor to mellow.
• Is it necessary to add the pine nuts and Parmesan cheese?These ingredients aren’t necessary, but they give the dish a wonderful texture and flavor.
• How long will leftovers last?You can keep uneaten portions of food in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for no longer than 3 days.
• What can I add for extra flavor?Think about adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to give it more flavor.

Goat Cheese And Arugula Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Feta cheese can be used in place of goat cheese to achieve an equally tangy flavor profile. Both cheeses are on the same tasting team. They are pasterized, flat, spreadable, and tangy (although goat cheese carries a slight edge in the latter category due to the use of goat milk).
Spinach can replace baby arugula for a more delicate flavor.
White wine vinegar can be used instead of lemon juice for a slightly different acidic kick.
Avocado oil can replace olive oil for an even nuttier flavor.
For a crunchy texture, use toasted walnuts instead of toasted pine nuts.

Pro Tips

1. Use Reserved Pasta Water Wisely The reserved pasta water is rich in starch and helps to create a silky, cohesive sauce. Start by adding just a little and gradually increase until you achieve the desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.

2. Balance the Flavors Goat cheese has a tangy, creamy flavor that pairs well with the peppery arugula. Consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or even a drizzle of honey if you prefer to balance the tanginess with a touch of sweetness.

3. Toast the Nuts Carefully If you’re including toasted pine nuts, be sure to keep a close eye on them as they toast. Pine nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. Toasting them brings out their nutty flavor, adding a wonderful depth to the dish.

4. Optimize Cheese Melting To ensure that the goat cheese melts into a smooth sauce, make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing it with the hot pasta. This will help it incorporate more easily and evenly.

5. Adjust Seasoning Last Since the cheese and pasta water can contain varying levels of salt, wait until after mixing the pasta with the cheese and pasta water before adjusting the seasoning. Taste first, then add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors without over-salting.