Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant, creamy pasta dish that captures the essence of a sun-drenched farmers market in every single bite. This Farmers Market Goat Cheese Pasta Primavera isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms fresh, seasonal vegetables and tangy goat cheese into a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Italian countryside cuisine. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance pasta flavor.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Prepare vegetables by halving cherry tomatoes, slicing zucchini into thin rounds, and dicing bell pepper.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to slightly blister and release their natural sweetness.
- Drain cooked pasta and transfer directly into the skillet with vegetables. Toss gently to combine, using reserved pasta water if mixture seems dry.
- Reduce heat to low and add fresh spinach, stirring until spinach just begins to wilt, approximately 1 minute.
- Crumble goat cheese over the pasta and vegetables. Gently fold to distribute cheese, allowing it to create a creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra goat cheese crumbles if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together beautifully.
- For maximum flavor, use the freshest seasonal vegetables you can find. Farmers markets are ideal, but high-quality grocery store produce works wonderfully too.
- Don't overcook your vegetables—they should remain slightly crisp to maintain texture and nutritional value. Aim for a quick sauté that keeps them vibrant and tender.
- Choose a high-quality, creamy goat cheese for the most luxurious sauce. The better the cheese, the more incredible your final dish will taste.
- If you want to add protein, consider grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta to make this dish even more substantial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
