Imagine twirling your fork through ribbons of perfectly cooked mafalde pasta, draped in a luxurious blend of wilted spinach and creamy, tangy goat cheese. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional craving a quick gourmet dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz mafalde pasta
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add the mafalde pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. 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 until just wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with spinach. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Crumble goat cheese over the pasta and gently fold to distribute, allowing the cheese to slightly melt from the heat of the pasta.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Toast pine nuts carefully and watch them closely - they can burn quickly due to their high oil content.
- Add goat cheese off the direct heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating.
- Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter when tossing the pasta.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot to enjoy the best texture and melted cheese consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
