This goat cheese pasta with zucchini is one of those dishes I make often at home. Itโs creamy, a little tangy from the lemon, and comes together really quickly. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or when I want something a bit nicer without spending hours in the kitchen.
If youโre looking for an easy goat cheese pasta recipe, this one is exactly that - quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Prep Time:ย 20 minutes |ย Cook Time:ย 10 minutes |ย Ingredients: 8 | Servings:ย 4 | Difficulty:ย Easy
I make pasta almost every week, usually just for the family, something simple like Cream Cheese Pasta or Tuna Pesto Pasta. Normally, I donโt serve it to guests because it feels too simple, but this one is an exception. Iโve made it a few times when friends came over, and it always works.
I like it for summer evenings - fresh zucchini, a little lemon, and goat cheese make it light but still tasty. A green salad and some white wine, and itโs ready.
Jump to:
Recipe ingredients
Goatโs milk gouda cheese: Mild and creamy, perfect for melting. It can be replaced with regular Gouda or cheddar if needed. The dish will have a different flavor, but you will still love it.
- Check out the Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad and the Quinoa Arugula Salad, too.
Zucchini: Yellow or green, thinly sliced or spiralized for a prettier presentation. If you have leftovers, make the Zucchini Omelet.
Pasta: Spaghetti is the best match and makes the dish particularly good-looking. However, any kind of pasta you have is ok.
Other ingredients: Heavy cream, garlic, 1 large lemon (juice + zest), fresh thyme, vegetable broth.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
Swap zucchini for asparagus or spinach.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.
How to make goat cheese pasta?
Step #1: Slice the zucchini thinly using a vegetable peeler or spiralize them.
Step #2: In a large bowl, mix heavy cream and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini strips and marinate for 20 minutes.
Step #3: Prep other ingredients: Grate goat Gouda and chop thyme.
Step #4: Cook the pasta until al dente and drain it.
Step #5: Drain pasta and return to pot. Add zucchini with cream, ยพ lemon juice, and broth. Gently stir (two forks work well) to keep the zucchini intact.
Step #6: Warm over low heat, stir in goat Gouda and thyme until melted. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste.
Tips
You can use a spiralizer to cut the zucchini, if you happen to have one (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab). Otherwise, slice them thinly with a vegetable peeler.
Donโt overcook the zucchini: Keep it just tender so it still has a bit of bite and doesnโt fall apart in the sauce.
Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the flavor and balances the creaminess of the goat cheese.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, soft goat cheese will work, but the flavor will be tangier and the texture creamier. Goat Gouda gives a milder taste and melts into a smooth sauce.
Not really recommended - the zucchini softens too much. You can prep the zucchini and marinate it in advance, then cook the pasta and assemble right before serving.
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or even short shapes like penne work fine.
Storage
This pasta is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the zucchini will get mushy.
Freezing: Not recommended - the creamy sauce and zucchini donโt hold their texture well after thawing.
What to serve with it?
Pair your goat cheese pasta with a crisp green salad and a chilled white wine. Add a simple dessert for a complete summer meal.
More elegant pasta recipes
Sign up for our Newsletter to receive new, quick, and delicious recipes in your inbox occasionally! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook
Give my quick recipes a try for your next family meal! Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance!
๐ Recipe
Lemony Goat Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler or spiralizer
- Large bowl
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini Note 1
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves
- 14 oz spaghetti Note 2
- 1 large lemon
- ยฝ cup vegetable broth
- 7 oz goatโs milk gouda cheese Note 3
- 3-4 sprigs thyme
- fine sea salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini: Cut zucchini into long strips with a potato peeler. If you have a spiralizer, use it for a nicer look.2 medium zucchini
- Marinate: In a large bowl, mix heavy cream and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini strips and marinate 20 minutes while you prepare the rest.1 cup heavy cream + 2 garlic cloves + fine sea salt and ground black pepper
- Prep other ingredients: Grate goat Gouda and finely chop thyme. Make a salad if serving one.7 oz goatโs milk gouda cheese + 3-4 sprigs thyme
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.14 oz spaghetti
- Combine: Drain pasta and return to pot. Add marinated zucchini with cream, ยพ of the lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Stir gently (two forks work well) to keep the zucchini intact.ยพ lemon juice from 1 large lemon + ยฝ cup vegetable broth
- Finish sauce: Heat together, then add goat Gouda and thyme. Stir until combined. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, with a green salad on the side if you like.
Notes
- Zucchini: You can green or yellow; it doesn't really matter.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or even short shapes like penne work fine.
- Cheese: Regular cowโs cheese Gouda, or Cheddar works too, but the flavor will be different (still delicious!).
Comments
No Comments