If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances comfort and elegance, this Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, flavorful pasta dish where silky goat cheese blends harmoniously with fresh spinach and vibrant cherry tomatoes. Every bite bursts with the warmth of garlic and the subtle aroma of sage, while the farfalle pasta provides an inviting texture that embraces the creamy sauce. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, making it a personal favorite I can’t wait to share with you.

Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta depends on straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery richness of garlic and sage to the bright zip of lemon juice, these essentials come together effortlessly to create an unforgettable meal.

1 lb farfalle pasta: The bow-tie shape holds sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a lovely fragrant base that infuses warmth into the sauce.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon all purpose, unbleached flour: Acts as a subtle thickening agent for that creamy consistency.
1/4 cup white wine (Chardonnay recommended): Brings a delicate acidity and depth with subtle fruit notes.
1/2 cup skim milk: Lightens the sauce while keeping it silky smooth.
6 tablespoons vegetable or chicken broth: Enhances savory undertones and balances the creaminess.
Juice of half a lemon: Adds a fresh tang that brightens the entire dish.
6 sage leaves, minced: Offers an earthy, aromatic touch that complements the goat cheese.
2 cups baby spinach: Delivers color, nutrients, and a mild green flavor that’s essential for balance.
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled: The star ingredient — creamy, tangy, and irresistibly rich.
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper to taste: Season perfectly to enhance every flavor component.

How to Make Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking your farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will be a secret weapon to help bind your sauce and keep it beautifully silky.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté it just long enough for the aroma to release—about one minute. This step infuses the butter with garlic’s warmth, creating an irresistible base for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the garlic butter and stir constantly until the mixture turns a gentle golden color, about 1 to 2 minutes. This little step ensures your sauce will thicken nicely and have a lovely velvety texture that clings to every piece of pasta.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in your white wine, scraping up any rich browned bits stuck to the pan. This adds an elegant depth and makes sure every ounce of flavor is captured in the sauce.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Next, stir in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mix to a boil. Lower to a simmer and let it thicken for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and builds the perfect structure for the creamy sauce ahead.

Step 6: Incorporate Milk and Spinach

Slowly pour in the skim milk, stirring gently to combine, then add baby spinach, lemon juice, and minced sage. Keep stirring as the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. This combination adds freshness, bright notes, and herbal charm to your sauce.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Remove the sauce from the heat and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Then, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese. Stir gently to warm everything through and coat the pasta evenly with the luscious sauce. At this point, your Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta is ready to delight!

How to Serve Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of leftover minced sage over the top along with a few grinds of fresh black pepper makes this dish pop. The fresh herbs aren’t just pretty—they add layers of fragrance and a subtle earthy note that complement the creamy goat cheese wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines as the star of the meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty artisan bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce makes for a perfect, well-rounded dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Or plate it with a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to add a refreshing zing if they like. Either way, presentation can make the Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta feel as special as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken in the fridge, so give it a quick stir when reheating.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of spinach and fresh tomatoes might soften after thawing. Freeze it in portioned containers and use within 1 to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the saucy creaminess. Stir often to avoid sticking and ensure every bite remains rich and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully, penne or fusilli would also catch the sauce nicely, giving you a similar texture and taste experience.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, try substituting the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The sauce may be less creamy but still flavorful with a few tweaks.

What if I don’t have white wine on hand?

You can replace the white wine with additional broth and a teaspoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to maintain a bit of acidity and brightness in the dish.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon can be delicious additions that turn this dish into a heartier meal.

How do I make sure the spinach doesn’t become mushy?

Add the baby spinach at the end of the sauce-making process and cook just until it wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes, to keep it fresh and tender without losing texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The way the creamy tangy goat cheese melds with fresh spinach and bright tomatoes is truly special. Once you make it, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation just like it has in mine!

Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Goat Cheese Spinach Pasta is a delightful vegetarian dish featuring farfalle pasta tossed in a luscious, garlicky white wine sauce with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and tangy goat cheese. Enhanced with sage and a hint of lemon, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy and fresh flavors, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a light lunch.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, which helps cook out the raw flour taste.
Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stir well and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Milk: Slowly add the skim milk, stirring continuously to combine. Let the mixture come back to a gentle simmer.
Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in baby spinach, lemon juice, and the minced sage leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens a bit further. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is warmed through and the ingredients are coated evenly with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with remaining minced sage and more fresh black pepper if desired. Serve warm or chilled according to your preference.

Notes

Using reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and makes it silky.
You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
For a richer sauce, replace skim milk with whole milk or cream.
White wine can be omitted or replaced with extra broth for a non-alcoholic version.
This dish can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: goat cheese pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, farfalle recipe