Creamy Goat Cheese and Asparagus Orecchiette
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Creamy Goat Cheese and Asparagus Orecchiette, a luscious pasta dish bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Tender orecchiette perfectly cradles a silky goat cheese sauce infused with bright hints of lemon zest and juice, while crisp-tender asparagus and a touch of garlic add texture and depth. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together for a truly comforting yet elegant meal. This easy, 35-minute recipe is perfect for spring or any time you’re craving a light yet satisfying dish that’s packed with seasonal freshness. Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish! Keywords: creamy goat cheese pasta, orecchiette recipe, asparagus pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner, spring pasta recipe.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb asparagus
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1- to 2-inch pieces.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling, add the orecchiette and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 5
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 6
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
Step 7
In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy.
Step 8
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 9
Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the asparagus and toss to combine.
Step 10
Lower the heat to medium-low, and stir in the goat cheese mixture. Add small splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 11
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 12
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1194.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2391.5 |
| Total Fat 97.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 46.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g | |
| Cholesterol 178.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2393.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 276.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 15.8g | |
| Protein 109.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1426.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 24.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1467.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories