Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta

This Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese pasta dinner is a game changer for your busy weeknights.  With just five ingredients, this healthy dish will be on the table in just 20 minutes. And you can serve it as a vegetarian meal or use the options to make it heartier for the meat eaters in your family.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta | Simply Fresh Dinners

With the return of school days fast approaching, it’s time to do some meal planning!  What’s that you say?  Who has time to plan? I hate to break it to you but if you want to truly save time, you have to take a few minutes to seriously PLAN!  It will save your sanity and a ton of time in the long run – I promise.

Ingredients for 5 Ingredient, 1 Pot Pasta Dinner | Simply Fresh Dinners

In this case though, I’ve done the planning for you so all you have to do is shop.  I’d love to do that for you too but here’s a secret – I don’t like shopping!  If I’m at the farmer’s market, I can spend all day there but your typical, every day grocery store?  Nope, I’m in and out in a hurry.  Hence, the five ingredients – ha!

Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinner with only 5 Ingredients | Simply Fresh Dinners

This easy deliciousness packs a punch in the flavour department and best thing is, there are a ton of ways you can change it up.  Just take a peek at my recipe notes to see how to make it work best for your family.

Quick + Easy + Healthy Dinner with Chickapea Pasta | Simply Fresh Dinners

Here I added a little bit of chicken sausage and it pairs perfectly with those flavours.  I loved this meal because the touch of nuttiness in Chickapea Pasta gives the dish that comfort food flavour.

What are some of your go-to recipes for the busy school year?  Share them with me on Instagram so I can see what you’re up to in your kitchen.  I’m nosy like that!  Use the hashtag #simplyfreshdinners.  Cheers!

Some quick tips for meal planning:
  • Always have a shopping list
  • Plan for leftovers at least once a week
  • Enlist family members to help with ideas and preparation.
  • Buy my book!  Simply Fresh Dinners.  It’s one month of easy, healthy meals for your family. Even the shopping lists are included!

This post is sponsored by Chickapea Pasta but the opinions of this fabulous product are all my own.

Oh, before you go, Chickapea Pasta is running another great GIVEAWAY this month and you’ll want to get in on the action.  I love this giveaway because it has everything you need for a perfect pasta dinner!

 The giveaway includes:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WP Recipe Maker #18766

Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta

This Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese pasta dinner is a game changer for your busy weeknights. With just five ingredients, this healthy dish will be on the table in just 20 minutes. And you can serve it as a vegetarian meal or use the options to make it heartier for the meat eaters in your family.

  • 8 ounces Chickapea Pasta Penne
  • 3 ounces goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 big handfuls of fresh, baby arugula
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  1. Cook pasta al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before and drain. 

  2. Return pasta to pot and immediately add goat cheese; stirring gently until goat cheese is melted and coating penne.  If it appears too thick, add reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until it reaches desired consistency.

  3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, pine nuts and lemon zest.  Toss to combine. Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately.

So many variations can be made with this recipe!  For example:

  1.  For the meat lovers you can add chicken, chicken sausage, bacon, or pancetta.
  2. If the taste of sun-dried tomatoes is too strong for your little ones, use cherry or grape tomatoes.
  3. Likewise for the arugula, any green will do – spinach, escarole or watercress.
  4. If you want to change up the goat cheese you can mix a small amount of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar with lemon zest, and chopped parsley adding the goat cheese and mashing it well before tossing it with the hot pasta.
  5. Roasted red peppers and garlic  would also be a nice addition.
  6. Top it with Parmigiano-Reggiano if you need more cheese.
  7. Pine nuts are expensive so use what you have on hand.  Walnuts and almonds would be equally tasty.

Pin It For Later!

This Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese pasta dinner is a game changer for your busy weeknights.  With just five ingredients, this healthy dish will be on the table in just 20 minutes.

66 Comments

  • Reply
    marcie
    August 16, 2017 at 10:54 am

    I live for quick and easy meals like this and these flavors are right up my alley Robyn! I’m adding this to my meal plan — love it!

  • Reply
    Taylor
    August 16, 2017 at 10:54 am

    What a delicious summer pasta idea! And only 310 calories?! This may be going on the dinner menu tonight…
    Taylor recently posted…Dynamite Shrimp Sushi JarsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Gena
    August 16, 2017 at 10:57 am

    I love this, Robyn! So easy to make, and I like how it allows all of the fresh ingredients to shine.

  • Reply
    nocrumbsleft
    August 16, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Oh my! I absolutely love this and for summer it’s perfect. I am a gal that loves gluten-free eating, so this is ideal!
    nocrumbsleft recently posted…Pistachio PestoMy Profile

  • Reply
    John/Kitchen Riffs
    August 16, 2017 at 11:34 am

    Love pasta salads any time of the year, but they really shine in the summer. This looks terrific! Thanks so much.
    John/Kitchen Riffs recently posted…The Millionaire CocktailMy Profile

  • Reply
    eat good 4 life
    August 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    Such a beautiful pasta recipe. Quick, easy and healthy. My family would love this!
    eat good 4 life recently posted…Cauliflower quinoa saladMy Profile

  • Reply
    jenn peas and crayons
    August 16, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    You picked the perfect ingredients! Love this healthy and filing pasta dish and looooove that it’s one pot!
    jenn peas and crayons recently posted…Tomato Mozzarella Chickpea SaladMy Profile

  • Reply
    Chris Scheuer
    August 16, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    This looks so pretty Robyn and sounds like a wonderful combination! I love all the amazing dishes you make from this healthy pasta!
    Chris Scheuer recently posted…Asian Chicken and Coconut Curry Noodle SaladMy Profile

  • Reply
    Robyn
    August 16, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Awwwhh, you are always so sweet, Chris – thank you! I truly love this product so i find it very inspiring. And of course, pasta is one of my favourite foods! )
    Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese PastaMy Profile

  • Reply
    Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
    August 16, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    What great flavors in this pasta Robyn! LOVE it. I don’t buy sun dried tomatoes nearly enough.
    Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Apple BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Apple SlawMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 16, 2017 at 9:17 pm

      I don’t either, Michelle, but they are always lingering in my mind for recipe ideas. This is so easy, the flavours are strong but there are lots of ways to change it up in the recipe notes if there are particular eaters in the family 🙂

  • Reply
    Jessie
    August 16, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    Quick and easy meals are a staple for me–thanks Robyn for this delicious recipe!! I’m definitely adding it to my meal plan.

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 16, 2017 at 9:15 pm

      Me too, Jessie! And I’ve decided to make it my mission to create lots more one pot dinners. I can’t wait to share them with you. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂

  • Reply
    Igor @ Cooking The Globe
    August 17, 2017 at 1:03 am

    This pasta looks simply amazing. Goat cheese + sun dried tomatoes = count me in! A perfect weeknight dinner!

  • Reply
    Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen
    August 17, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Such a gorgeous looking pasta Robyn!! Really here for those sun-dried tomatoes too!!
    Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen recently posted…My Top Five Back to School Meal Prepping TipsMy Profile

  • Reply
    The Food Hunter
    August 17, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    What a delicious looking meal. thanks for sharing about this product.

  • Reply
    Sandi
    August 17, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    That pasta looks so much better than rice gluten free pasta.

  • Reply
    Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    August 17, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    I love a quick and easy pasta. This looks delicious!
    Sam | Ahead of Thyme recently posted…Greek Salad Hummus FlatbreadMy Profile

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    August 18, 2017 at 6:13 am

    I am intrigued by this chickpea pasta! I’ve never seen such a thing available before. A gorgeous sounding recipe, this!
    Elizabeth recently posted…Grilled Lamb Kibbeh KebabsMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 18, 2017 at 7:41 am

      It’s such a great healthy pasta, Elizabeth, and it tastes like pasta! I’ve tried rice and quinoa pasta and they just don’t cut it. Chickapea checks all the boxes in taste, texture and goodness. Maybe they’ll be in the UK one day!
      Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese PastaMy Profile

  • Reply
    Chris Scheuer
    August 18, 2017 at 7:47 am

    If I won this gift pack I would make Pasta alla Norma!!
    Chris Scheuer recently posted…Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken BreastsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    August 18, 2017 at 7:58 am

    OK, I just entered!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Reply
    Regina
    August 18, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Quick one pot pasta meals are my favorite on busy weeknights when I didn’t plan ahead. So great to see they also work with chickapea pasta!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 20, 2017 at 5:59 am

      I love a quick one pot too, Regina, and love that you don’t have to add meat or poultry to this to get your daily protein.

  • Reply
    Modish Taste | Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
    August 18, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    […] Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta […]

  • Reply
    Jessie
    August 19, 2017 at 11:10 am

    I love sun-dried tomatoes! It just brings out the flavors and sweetness in in!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 20, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      Aren’t they just the best, Jessie? Thanks for stopping by!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:19 am

      I hope you try this, Jessie!

  • Reply
    Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert
    August 20, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    This is my kind of dinner! Love the goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes are a favorite of mine. Perfect! Thanks for the great recipe 🙂
    Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert recently posted…Spicy Shrimp & Fried CornMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 22, 2017 at 8:00 pm

      Thanks, Tricia. Such a quick and easy way to have a healthy meal without meat. Do you think Ed will go for it? lol. Or does he need some chicken in there?!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:18 am

      Thanks, Tricia. Keeping it simple works best some nights!

  • Reply
    sue | theviewfromgreatisland
    August 20, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    So many fabulous flavors going on here!
    sue | theviewfromgreatisland recently posted…What to Eat Now: BlackberriesMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 22, 2017 at 7:59 pm

      It’s hard to narrow it down to 5 ingredients, Sue, but when you can find strong flavours that are compatible, it’s quite exciting 🙂

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:18 am

      I’m sold on one pots, Sue. Time to create a bunch more!

  • Reply
    DealinDiva
    August 26, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    Nice rich flavors, love it.

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:15 am

      Thank you! And thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

  • Reply
    Kim
    August 26, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    I would make the chickpea pasta with fresh multi colored tomatoes,Garlic,Fresh basil,Parmesan and olive oil.

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:14 am

      One of my favourite ways as well, Kim. All the beautiful heirlooms are ready at the farmer’s markets these days.

  • Reply
    Laurie P
    August 26, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    a pasta dish with garden fresh tomatoes, rapini, and a ton of garlic is a family favorite!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:14 am

      I love that too, Laurie. Not much can beat fresh tomatoes and pasta! Thanks for visiting.

  • Reply
    Judy
    August 26, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    I would try making a pasta salad with the Chickpea Pasta that was full of veggies.

    • Reply
      Judy
      August 26, 2017 at 9:39 pm

      Name should be Judy Cowan

    • Reply
      Robyn
      August 27, 2017 at 2:12 am

      You’ll want to visit http://www.choosechickapea.com, Judy. Lots of great recipes for delicious pasta salads! Thanks for visiting 🙂

  • Reply
    Sharon austin
    August 27, 2017 at 8:21 am

    I would make this ,, i work full time + and my hubby is disabled,, fast, easy dinners are my favorite,, thanks for the opportunity!!

  • Reply
    Maritess
    August 27, 2017 at 11:59 am

    I would make my kid’s favourite pasta salad with grilled chicken strips.

  • Reply
    Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
    August 27, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    I think I would make your recipe – it looks sooo good

  • Reply
    Shannon
    August 28, 2017 at 10:22 am

    I would make something with pesto! I am all about the pesto this summer. 🙂

  • Reply
    Soozle
    August 29, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    I would love to make a light pasta salad – perfect for a BBQ on the last days of summer!

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