Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms Recipe

This delightful pasta recipe, with its rich, creamy goat cheese sauce and a delightful mix of asparagus and baby bella mushrooms, is a treat for all your senses. The recipe is as easy as it is delicious, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend feast.

Photos of Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms Recipe

While most ingredients for this pasta recipe are easily available, you might need to specifically look for fresh baby bella mushrooms and goat cheese at your local supermarket. Baby Bella mushrooms, also known as cremini mushrooms, have a deeper, earthier flavor compared to white button mushrooms. Goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy depth to the pasta that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

Pasta: The base of this recipe. Choose your favorite pasta shape.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and chicken.

Chicken breasts: Adds protein to the dish.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Shallot: Gives a subtle, sweet flavor.

Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent, spicy flavor.

Asparagus: Brings a nice crunch and fresh taste.

Baby bella mushrooms: Earthy and hearty, these mushrooms add a lot of flavors.

Goat cheese: This creamy cheese adds a tangy flavor to the pasta.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty kick to the dish.

One reader, Dominga Benavides says:

This pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy goat cheese and earthy mushrooms creates a rich and satisfying dish. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is easy to make. It's a new favorite in my household!

Dominga Benavides

Cooking Techniques for Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

How to cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

How to cook the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in a sauté pan with olive oil until golden and cooked through.

How to sauté the vegetables: Sauté the shallot, asparagus, and mushrooms in a pan until softened, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

How to make the goat cheese sauce: Whisk together the goat cheese, milk, parmesan, and hot pasta water until smooth and creamy.

How to combine the ingredients: Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken, sautéed vegetables, and goat cheese sauce until well combined.

How to adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding more reserved hot pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

How to serve: Garnish the pasta with extra parmesan and black pepper before serving.

How To Make Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms

Your favorite pasta recipe tossed with the healthy flavors of asparagus and mushroom tossed with chicken and cheese for a delicious and creamy taste.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

16ozpasta
2tbspolive oildivided
2chicken breastsboneless, skinless
salt and freshly-ground black pepper
1shallotpeeled and minced
6garlic clovespeeled and minced
1lbasparaguscut into bite-sized pieces, ends trimmed off
16ozfresh baby bellaor white button mushrooms, halved
8ozgoat cheese
⅓cupmilk
½cupParmesan cheese, dividedfreshly-grated

Instructions

Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of generously salted water, according to package instructions. Once the pasta is nearly ready, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and reserve it on the side. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta water is heating, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until both sides are golden, and the center is cooked through and no longer pink.
Transfer chicken to a clean cutting board, and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot pan, and add the shallot.
Saute for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the asparagus and mushrooms, and continue sauteing for another 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
In a separate small mixing bowl, add the goat cheese, milk, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water. Whisk until combined.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, immediately add the chicken, vegetable mixture, and the goat cheese sauce to the pasta, and toss to combine.
If the sauce is too thick, you can stir in an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved hot pasta water to thin it out.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 1565.53kcal
Fat: 65.43g
Saturated Fat: 36.87g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 20.60g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.60g
Carbohydrates: 152.68g
Fiber: 4.38g
Sugar: 91.10g
Protein: 91.99g
Cholesterol: 180.03mg
Sodium: 2390.15mg
Calcium: 2201.59mg
Potassium: 1063.14mg
Iron: 5.77mg
Vitamin A: 571.57µg
Vitamin C: 5.96mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

When sautéing the asparagus and mushrooms, ensure that the pan is not overcrowded. This allows the vegetables to cook evenly and achieve a nice golden color. If the pan is too crowded, the vegetables may steam instead of sauté, resulting in a different texture and flavor. Also, when adding the garlic, be careful not to burn it as it can turn bitter. It's best to add it towards the end of the sautéing process and let it cook just until it's fragrant.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.

Efficient multitasking: While one component is cooking, use that time to prep other ingredients or clean up to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Invest in tools: Quality kitchen tools such as sharp knives and efficient gadgets can significantly speed up the cooking process.

Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end, making the post-cooking cleanup much quicker.

Use leftovers: Repurpose leftover ingredients or meals to create new dishes, saving time on meal prep.

Substitute Ingredients For Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms Recipe

pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, providing a lighter and healthier option.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for sautéing and roasting.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu or tempeh: Tofu or tempeh can be used as a plant-based protein alternative, absorbing the flavors of the dish while providing a vegetarian option.
shallot - Substitute with onion: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar flavor profile to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor with a longer shelf life.
asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be used as a substitute for asparagus, providing a similar texture and flavor in the dish.
baby bella mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms offer a unique umami flavor and meaty texture, serving as a flavorful alternative to baby bella mushrooms.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and salty flavor, serving as a suitable substitute for goat cheese in the recipe.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture without the lactose.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese offers a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, serving as a suitable substitute in the recipe.

Presenting Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

Elevate the plating: Arrange the pasta in a nest-like shape on the plate, ensuring that the chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus are evenly distributed. This will create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts, to provide contrast to the creamy goat cheese sauce and tender pasta.
Emphasize the protein: Place the sliced chicken breasts strategically on top of the pasta, allowing them to be a focal point of the dish.
Utilize negative space: Be mindful of the empty spaces on the plate to create a balanced and visually appealing presentation. The arrangement should be visually striking and inviting.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Large stockpot: Used for boiling pasta and other large quantities of food.
Saute pan: Ideal for sauteing, frying, and searing ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Small mixing bowl: Used for combining and whisking ingredients for the goat cheese sauce.
Whisk: Essential for blending and mixing ingredients together, such as the goat cheese sauce.
Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling the chicken breasts while cooking.
Spatula: Helps in stirring and flipping ingredients in the saute pan.
Strainer: Used for draining the cooked pasta.
Grater: Essential for grating the parmesan cheese.
Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients such as milk and parmesan cheese.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Recipe

Let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the thawed pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's hot and steaming.
If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, add a bit more milk or reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve the reheated pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.

How To Reheat Leftover Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

To reheat leftover pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms, start by placing the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to help maintain the creamy texture of the sauce during reheating.
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm and creamy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Place the desired amount of pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir gently to combine.
Heat the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
For both microwave and stovetop methods, be careful not to overheat the pasta, as this can cause the goat cheese sauce to separate or become grainy. Reheat the pasta gently and stir frequently to ensure even heating and a smooth, creamy texture.
Once the pasta is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
If you find that the reheated pasta has absorbed too much of the sauce and become dry, you can add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and restore the desired consistency.
Serve the reheated pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and creamy leftover pasta dish!

Interesting Trivia About Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

Goat cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to this pasta dish. It also adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the recipe.

Is Making This Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients, such as pasta, chicken, mushrooms, asparagus, and goat cheese, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and economical choice for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and quality. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and hearty meal.

Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe uses a significant amount of goat cheese and parmesan cheese, which are high in saturated fat and calories.
The dish also includes pasta, which is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes if consumed in large quantities.
While the recipe incorporates some vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms, the overall vegetable content could be higher to provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of goat cheese and parmesan cheese used in the recipe, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like feta or ricotta.
Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates.
Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the dish. Add more asparagus, mushrooms, and consider including other nutrient-dense options like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Use a leaner protein source, such as skinless chicken breast or tofu, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Experiment with using a small amount of the pasta cooking water or low-fat milk to create a lighter sauce, rather than relying solely on the goat cheese and parmesan for creaminess.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Pasta Dish

As a culinary genius and chef, I find this pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms recipe to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy goat cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and tender asparagus, creating a rich and satisfying dish. The addition of chicken adds a hearty protein element, while the use of reserved pasta water helps to create a silky and luscious sauce. Overall, this recipe offers a well-balanced and delicious meal that is sure to impress any pasta lover.

Enhance Your Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Slices of crusty bread slathered in garlic-infused butter and toasted to perfection.

Roasted Vegetables: An assortment of colorful vegetables roasted with olive oil, herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Caprese Salad: Slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Pasta Dish

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: This creamy casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in.

Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce: This flavorful dish features juicy grilled steak topped with a vibrant and zesty chimichurri sauce. It's a delicious way to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This colorful and nutritious salad is made with roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a tangy vinaigrette. It's a great option for a light and refreshing meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect way to start off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: This classic Italian appetizer is a great way to kick off any dinner party. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic on top of crispy bread is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is the perfect way to end a dinner party or special occasion.

Berry Parfait: Layer fresh berries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola for a light and refreshing berry parfait. This colorful and healthy dessert is a great option for a summer gathering or brunch.

Why trust this Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms Recipe:

This recipe features pasta cooked to perfection and paired with succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus. The creamy sauce, made with tangy goat cheese and rich parmesan, adds a luxurious touch. The use of garlic and shallot infuses the dish with aromatic flavors. The step-by-step instructions ensure that every element is cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful and satisfying meal. Trust in the combination of these high-quality ingredients to create a memorable dining experience.

Share your thoughts on the Pasta with Goat Cheese & Mushrooms recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. I recommend using a pasta shape that can hold the creamy goat cheese sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even a creamy brie. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make it even heartier.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the chicken broth and goat cheese, are also gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the dish when you're ready to serve. Store the cooked pasta, chicken, vegetable mixture, and goat cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the components and toss them together.