Craving a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just 25 minutes? Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering Tomato Spinach and Goat Cheese Pasta that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! This Italian-inspired dish combines the vibrant freshness of spinach, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, and the luxurious creaminess of goat cheese into a single, irresistible plate that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine and coat the pasta with the tomato and olive oil mixture.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir quickly, allowing the residual heat to wilt the spinach leaves.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the pasta. Gently fold the cheese into the pasta, allowing it to slightly melt and create a creamy sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together one final time.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring an even distribution of tomatoes, spinach, and goat cheese.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; the starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the goat cheese and cherry tomatoes, for maximum flavor impact.
- Don't overcook the spinach - you want it just wilted to retain its bright green color and nutrients.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter when folding in the goat cheese.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still slightly melty for the most luxurious texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
