Goats Cheese and Spinach Protein Pasta
Goats Cheese and Spinach Protein Pasta is a creamy, high-protein vegetarian pasta dish made with tender protein pasta, tangy goat's cheese, fresh spinach, garlic and Parmesan. Quick, wholesome and packed with flavour, it's the perfect healthy weeknight dinner or meal-prep recipe that's ready in just 35 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Large Saucepan: For boiling the pasta evenly.
- 1 Large sauté pan or frying pan: Ideal for preparing the creamy sauce.
- 1 Wooden Spoon Perfect for stirring the sauce without scratching cookware.
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Makes vegetable preparation easier.
- 1 Chopping Board For safely preparing ingredients.
- 1 Measuring Jug – Helps measure liquids accurately.
- 1 Fine grater: For Parmesan and lemon zest.
- 1 Pasta spoon or tongs: Makes combining the sauce and pasta much easier.
- 3 Measuring Spoons Ensures accurate seasoning.
- 2 Serving bowls: Keep the pasta warm while serving.
Ingredients
- 300 g High-protein pasta: Choose chickpea lentil or protein-enriched wheat pasta for extra protein.
- 150 g Soft goat's cheese: The star ingredient that creates a smooth creamy sauce with a delicious tang.
- 120 g Fresh spinach: Adds colour fibre and essential nutrients.
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil: Used to gently cook the aromatics.
- 3 Garlic cloves finely minced: Provides rich savoury depth.
- 1 Small onion finely diced: Adds sweetness and balances the cheese's tanginess.
- 150 ml Semi-skimmed milk: Helps loosen the sauce while keeping it light.
- 40 g Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds extra savoury flavour and creaminess.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Enhances the flavour without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tbsp Chilli flakes optional: Adds gentle warmth.
- ½ tbsp Freshly ground black pepper: Seasons the sauce beautifully.
- ½ tbsp Sea salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice: Brightens the creamy flavours.
- 1 tbsp Grated lemon zest: Adds fresh citrus aroma.
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley: Provides freshness and colour.
- 50 ml Reserved pasta water: Helps create a silky sauce.
Instructions
🍝 Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
- Gather and measure all your ingredients before you begin.
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and drain well.
- Finely dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Crumble the goat's cheese into a bowl.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Zest and juice the lemon.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
Having everything prepared first makes cooking quicker and helps prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Cook The Pasta
- Fill a large saucepan with plenty of water.
- Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add the high-protein pasta.
- Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
- Cook according to the packet instructions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve about 50ml of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it.
The starchy pasta water is one of the secrets to creating an exceptionally smooth sauce.
Step 3: Cook The Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion.
- Cook gently for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add the minced garlic.
- Cook for another minute until fragrant.
The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is the perfect foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Wilt The Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach in batches.
- Stir continuously.
- Allow each handful to wilt before adding the next.
- Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes.
The spinach will reduce dramatically in volume while becoming wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Create The Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Pour in the milk.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard.
- Add the crumbled goat's cheese.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan.
- Stir gently until both cheeses have melted.
Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat may cause the cheese to separate.
Step 6: Add Seasoning
- Season the sauce with:
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chilli flakes (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as Parmesan naturally contributes saltiness.
Step 6: Add Seasoning
Season the sauce with:
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chilli flakes (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as Parmesan naturally contributes saltiness.
Step 7: Adjust The Consistency
- Slowly add the reserved pasta water.
- Stir continuously.
- Continue adding small amounts until the sauce becomes silky and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 8: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
- Toss gently using tongs or a pasta spoon.
- Ensure every piece of pasta is coated evenly.
- Cook together for another 1–2 minutes.
This final cooking stage allows the pasta to absorb the delicious flavours.
Step 9: Finish With Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle over the chopped parsley.
- Add a little extra grated Parmesan if desired.
- Finish with another light squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
- Serve Goats Cheese and Spinach Protein Pasta while piping hot.
Finish with:
- Extra goat's cheese crumbles
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Chopped parsley
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon zest
The finished dish should be creamy, colourful and irresistibly inviting.
Notes
- 🍝 Cook the protein pasta until al dente for the best texture, as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
- 🥄 Always reserve some pasta cooking water to help create a silky, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 🧀 Use a soft, good-quality goat's cheese for the richest flavour and smoothest consistency.
- 🥬 Fresh spinach provides the best colour and texture, but well-drained frozen spinach can be used if needed.
- 🍋 Add the lemon juice and zest at the end of cooking to brighten the creamy flavours.
- 🌶️ Adjust the chilli flakes to suit your preferred level of heat, or omit them for a milder dish.
- 🧂 Taste before adding extra salt, as the goat's cheese and Parmesan already contribute natural saltiness.
- 🍽️ Serve Goats Cheese and Spinach Protein Pasta immediately while hot for the creamiest texture and best flavour.
- 📦 Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy sauce.