Description
This vibrant and creamy Cheese Pasta with Asparagus and Peas combines tender curly pasta with fresh spring vegetables, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic herbs. Cooked in a single pot, this easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces curly pasta (such as trottole or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped shallots (from about 1 large shallot)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon leaves, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for serving
- 6 ounce log goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Vegetables: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Add peas and asparagus and cook an additional 2 minutes until pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and olive oil. When butter melts, add shallots, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook stirring continuously until shallots are tender, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine and Add Herbs: Pour in the white wine along with chopped tarragon and chives. Cook, stirring, until wine reduces by half, approximately 2 minutes.
- Melt Goat Cheese Sauce: Add goat cheese, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir until goat cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove pot from heat. Add cooked pasta and vegetables back into the pot. Toss well to combine, adding additional pasta water (about 1/4 cup) as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes, tarragon, and chives over the pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, creamy flavors.
Notes
- The pasta water helps thicken the sauce due to its starch content—reserve carefully before draining.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add more goat cheese or extra pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Feel free to substitute dry white wine with vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Fresh herbs greatly enhance flavor; if unavailable, dried herbs may be used but reduce quantity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian