Tricolor pasta with cheese and spinach

Tricolor Pasta with Goat Cheese and Fresh Spinach

If you are looking for a delicious and quick recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends, you have come to the right place! These tricolor pasta with goat cheese and fresh spinach are not only tasty but also full of color and nutrients. Moreover, their preparation is so simple that even a beginner in the kitchen can achieve excellent results! Let's venture into this universe of flavors and aromas!

Short History of the Recipe
Pasta has a long history, being a staple food in many cultures around the world. Combining pasta with fresh vegetables, such as spinach, is an old tradition meant to add health and flavor. Spinach, rich in vitamins and minerals, is a versatile ingredient that enhances any dish. Goat cheese, with its distinctive taste and creamy texture, perfectly complements this duo, transforming a simple recipe into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 300 g tricolor pasta (we recommend spaghetti)
- 200 g goat cheese (or feta cheese, for a saltier variant)
- 200 g fresh spinach (well washed and torn into large pieces)
- 1 cube of butter (or a splash of extra virgin olive oil for a healthier option)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta
Start by putting enough water in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt, and bringing the water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the tricolor pasta. Each brand of pasta has its own instructions, but generally, the boiling time ranges from 8 to 10 minutes. Check periodically, so you don’t overcook them; the pasta should be al dente.

2. Drain the Pasta
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, but keep a little of the cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

3. Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Mixture
In the same pot where you boiled the pasta (or in a large skillet), add the cube of butter (or olive oil) and let it melt over low heat. Then, add the freshly torn spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts.

4. Add the Pasta and Cheese
Add the drained pasta to the pot with spinach. Stir gently to combine the spinach with the pasta. Now, add the crumbled goat cheese. Mix well so that the cheese melts slightly and integrates into the dish. If you find the mixture too dry, add a little of the reserved cooking water.

5. Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, sprinkling a little grated Parmesan on top for an even more intense flavor.

Practical Tips
- Vegan Option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace goat cheese with crumbled tofu added at the end, so it doesn’t cook too much.
- Tasty Additions: You can also add some toasted pine nuts or chopped nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
- Serving: This pasta pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing herbal tea.

Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, while goat cheese provides protein and calcium. Tricolor pasta adds a splash of color and contains complex carbohydrates, ideal for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! You can experiment with whole grain or gluten-free pasta, depending on your preferences.
- What else could I add? Sun-dried tomatoes or black olives can add a special flavor to the dish.
- How can I store leftovers? You can keep the pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat by adding a bit of water so it doesn’t dry out.

These tricolor pasta with goat cheese and fresh spinach are more than just a simple meal; they are an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for bringing a smile to your loved ones' faces. Try them and let yourself be carried away by the taste! Enjoy!