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Tasty Caramelized Shallot, Spinach and Goat Cheese Garlic Butter Pasta. dish image

Caramelized Shallot, Spinach and Goat Cheese Garlic Butter Pasta.

This pasta dish is a flavor explosion! Creamy goat cheese, caramelized shallots, and fresh spinach come together in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 1/2 pound pasta of your choice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 12 ounces fresh spinach
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Caramelize the Shallots - In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are soft and begin to caramelize. Sprinkle in the brown sugar to enhance the sweetness and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Add Spinach and Garlic - Once the shallots are caramelized, add the fresh spinach to the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce - Reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the pan, stirring until it melts and combines with the spinach and shallots. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a luscious sauce.
  5. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce - Add the drained pasta directly into the sauté pan, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce. If necessary, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  6. Step 6: Add Goat Cheese and Season - Turn off the heat and gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese. Season with crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and adjust the salt if necessary. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy texture throughout the pasta.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
  • Feel free to replace goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
  • This dish can be meal-prepped! Store pasta and sauce separately to maintain texture.