Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxurious whole wheat spaghetti, where creamy goat cheese melts seductively over perfectly cooked pasta, and peppery arugula adds a vibrant punch of freshness. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a restaurant-quality meal you can create in your own kitchen in less time than it takes to order takeout. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Italian-inspired masterpiece that will have your dinner guests wondering if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add whole wheat spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Drain pasta in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
- Transfer hot pasta directly into the skillet with garlic and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Crumble goat cheese over the pasta and gently mix, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Add fresh arugula and toss quickly, letting the leaves slightly wilt but remain vibrant and crisp.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh arugula leaves if desired.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within. • Reserve pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces. • Use freshly cracked black pepper and high-quality olive oil to elevate the dish's flavor profile. • For maximum flavor, add goat cheese while pasta is still steaming hot to help it melt slightly and coat the noodles. • Don't overcook the arugula—a quick toss is all you need to maintain its vibrant color and peppery bite. • For a gourmet touch, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding red pepper flakes for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
