Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of creamy, tangy pasta that transports your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. This Lemon and Goat Cheese Pasta with Mushrooms and Zucchini isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend chef looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game with its bright, fresh flavors and luxurious texture.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 medium zucchini (courgette) sliced, 1/2 cup of goat cheese, 1 lemon (juiced and zested), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown and release their moisture.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the mushrooms. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and zucchini. Toss everything together to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and lemon zest with the reserved pasta water. Pour this mixture over the pasta and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the pasta, and gently toss to combine. The heat from the pasta will soften the cheese, creating a creamy texture.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add more lemon juice or zest for an extra citrusy flavor.
- Serve the Lemon and Goat Cheese Pasta warm, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve pasta cooking water before draining; the starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh, high-quality goat cheese for the creamiest result.
- Sauté mushrooms until they're golden brown to develop deep, rich flavor.
- Don't overcook the zucchini - you want it tender but still slightly crisp.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to make the process easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add more reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
