| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 15g | 7g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 14g | 0.39g |
I’ve been enamored by a culinary delight that I recently added to my repertoire – the Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta. This comforting pasta dish manages to balance the creamy tang of goat cheese with the peppery taste of arugula, all while maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich profile! The inspiration for this recipe arose from my Californian upbringing, where dishes effortlessly mingle health-conscious ingredients with robust flavors.
Health Benefits of this Pasta Dish
One of the reasons I love this recipe is because it not only tastes divine but is also packed with health benefits. It features arugula, a green leafy miracle packed with vitamins A, C, K along with several other minerals. And let’s not forget the goat cheese, a lighter and more digestible alternative to regular cheese. Aside from being loaded with essential nutrients, this dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan with a simple cheese substitute.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
When it comes to capturing the vast culinary landscape of America in a dish, the Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta nails it. The zest and juice of fresh lemon add a subtle brightness to balance the creaminess of the cheese, while garlic and olive oil bring out the savory dimension. A sprinkling of black pepper and a touch of salt seamlessly meld these flavor profiles together.
If you’re familiar with traditional pasta Primavera, you might notice a bit of its influence in this dish. Similar to Primavera, it’s a fresh, vegetable-forward pasta dish, albeit with a unique twist. And if you’re looking to plan the perfect dinner menu, this pasta pairs delightfully well with a light white wine and a side of my Roasted California Vegetable Medley for a complete meal experience.
When it comes to my love for this recipe, I believe it brings together the best of the culinary world—comfort food that is health-conscious and full of fresh, vibrant flavors. I hope that you’ll love this Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of Linguine Pasta
- 4 cups of Arugula
- 1.5 cups of Crumbled Goat Cheese
- 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Lemon (for Zest and Juice)
- 2 cloves of Garlic
- 1/4 cup of Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup of Reserved Pasta Water
Method
Step One
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water is boiling, add in the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant. This should only take about a minute.
Step Three
Next, add in the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook these until they start to burst, squashing them slightly with the back of your spoon. This process will take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to your skillet. Stir well, ensuring all the pasta is coated with the oil and tomato mixture.
Step Five
Next, add in the arugula, salt, and black pepper. Stir well for about a minute, until the arugula starts to wilt.
Step Six
Add the crumbled goat cheese and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir until the cheese starts to melt and forms a creamy sauce with the pasta water.
Step Seven
To finish off, add the zest and juice of one lemon, and give everything a final stir. Remove from heat.
Step Eight
Your Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta is now ready to serve. Enjoy this delightful dish hot. You can add extra pepper or cheese on top if desired.
