Creamy Lemon-Herb Goat Cheese Pasta
A luxurious yet simple pasta dish where goat cheese creates a velvety sauce without cream, brightened by lemon and fresh herbs for a weeknight dinner that feels special. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, goat cheese, zest and juice lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 6 oz goat cheese
- 1, zest and juice lemon
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh chives
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the softened goat cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Add the drained penne to the skillet along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped chives, reserved pasta water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta strands evenly, adding more pasta water if too thick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Lemon-Herb Goat Cheese Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Lemon-Herb Goat Cheese Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Lemon-Herb Goat Cheese Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Lemon-Herb Goat Cheese Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamy Lemon-Herb Goat Cheese Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
