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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1- to 2-inch pieces.
Once the water is boiling, add the orecchiette and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.
In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the asparagus and toss to combine.
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.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2392 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.7 g | 125% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.3 g | 232% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 178 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 2394 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 276.7 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.5 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.8 g | ||
| Protein | 109.5 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1426 mg | 110% | |
| Iron | 24.0 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 1468 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
