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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
- 1 case of Chickapea Pasta (2 spirals, 2 shells, 2 penne)
- 1 case of Uncle Steve’s organic pasta sauce
- 1 gorgeous pasta bowl from Dotti Potts Studio and Gallery
- 3 organic artisan oils from Capizzano Olive Oils and Vinegars
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
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Cook pasta al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before and drain.
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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.
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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:
- For the meat lovers you can add chicken, chicken sausage, bacon, or pancetta.
- If the taste of sun-dried tomatoes is too strong for your little ones, use cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Likewise for the arugula, any green will do – spinach, escarole or watercress.
- 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.
- Roasted red peppers and garlic would also be a nice addition.
- Top it with Parmigiano-Reggiano if you need more cheese.
- Pine nuts are expensive so use what you have on hand. Walnuts and almonds would be equally tasty.
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66 Comments
marcie
August 16, 2017 at 10:54 amI 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!
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 11:18 amThanks, Marcie! Now if I could just find my way past all the dishes and photography props to my stove, I’ll create some more one pot dinners, lol
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Taylor
August 16, 2017 at 10:54 amWhat a delicious summer pasta idea! And only 310 calories?! This may be going on the dinner menu tonight…
Taylor recently posted…Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Jars
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 11:46 amThanks, Taylor. Gotta love a low calorie pasta dinner, lol
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Gena
August 16, 2017 at 10:57 amI love this, Robyn! So easy to make, and I like how it allows all of the fresh ingredients to shine.
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 11:48 amI love a fresh and healthy meal, Gena. I want to convince everyone that you can have fresh, healthy, inexpensive AND a quick meal all at the same time 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
nocrumbsleft
August 16, 2017 at 11:02 amOh 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 Pesto
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 11:49 amI can’t wait to try this with bacon, Teri. And you’ve got me cooking bacon in the oven again! I used to do it but got out of the habit. So simple 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
John/Kitchen Riffs
August 16, 2017 at 11:34 amLove 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 Cocktail
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 11:50 amThanks, John. It was a treat to eat especially when it comes together so quickly 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
eat good 4 life
August 16, 2017 at 12:01 pmSuch a beautiful pasta recipe. Quick, easy and healthy. My family would love this!
eat good 4 life recently posted…Cauliflower quinoa salad
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 1:23 pmWith your super busy schedule, Miryam, you could get the kids to make this 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
jenn peas and crayons
August 16, 2017 at 12:09 pmYou 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 Salad
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 1:46 pmI want to make a career out of one pot pasta dinners, Jenn, lol. I’m hooked!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Chris Scheuer
August 16, 2017 at 12:18 pmThis 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 Salad
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 1:47 pmAwwwhh, 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 Pasta
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
August 16, 2017 at 4:46 pmWhat 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 Slaw
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 9:17 pmI 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 🙂
Jessie
August 16, 2017 at 7:13 pmQuick and easy meals are a staple for me–thanks Robyn for this delicious recipe!! I’m definitely adding it to my meal plan.
Robyn
August 16, 2017 at 9:15 pmMe 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 🙂
Igor @ Cooking The Globe
August 17, 2017 at 1:03 amThis pasta looks simply amazing. Goat cheese + sun dried tomatoes = count me in! A perfect weeknight dinner!
Robyn
August 17, 2017 at 9:15 amThanks so much, Igor. Any kind of cheese with any kind of tomatoes and I’m in, lol. Mixing it with my favourite pasta was such a treat!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen
August 17, 2017 at 12:22 pmSuch 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 Tips
Robyn
August 17, 2017 at 6:00 pmThanks, Jessica! I’m inspired now to make lots more Chickapea one pot dishes 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
The Food Hunter
August 17, 2017 at 1:30 pmWhat a delicious looking meal. thanks for sharing about this product.
Robyn
August 17, 2017 at 6:02 pmThanks so much! Chickapea is such a delicious, healthy pasta. Love that it’s guilt-free and gluten-free!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Sandi
August 17, 2017 at 6:23 pmThat pasta looks so much better than rice gluten free pasta.
Robyn
August 18, 2017 at 6:21 amIt truly is so delicious, Sandi. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find a delicious, healthy pasta!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
August 17, 2017 at 7:52 pmI love a quick and easy pasta. This looks delicious!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme recently posted…Greek Salad Hummus Flatbread
Robyn
August 18, 2017 at 6:45 amMe too, Sam. Well, I like quick and easy everything, lol
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Elizabeth
August 18, 2017 at 6:13 amI 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 Kebabs
Robyn
August 18, 2017 at 7:41 amIt’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 Pasta
Chris Scheuer
August 18, 2017 at 7:47 amIf I won this gift pack I would make Pasta alla Norma!!
Chris Scheuer recently posted…Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken Breasts
Robyn
August 18, 2017 at 8:43 amGood luck, Chris, that’s one of my favourite dishes!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Anita Rivera
August 18, 2017 at 7:58 amOK, I just entered!!!!!!!!!!!
Robyn
August 18, 2017 at 8:47 amYAY! Good luck, Anita!!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Regina
August 18, 2017 at 9:29 amQuick 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!
Robyn
August 20, 2017 at 5:59 amI 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.
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 […]
Jessie
August 19, 2017 at 11:10 amI love sun-dried tomatoes! It just brings out the flavors and sweetness in in!
Robyn
August 20, 2017 at 3:37 pmAren’t they just the best, Jessie? Thanks for stopping by!
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:19 amI hope you try this, Jessie!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert
August 20, 2017 at 12:56 pmThis 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 Corn
Robyn
August 22, 2017 at 8:00 pmThanks, 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?!
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:18 amThanks, Tricia. Keeping it simple works best some nights!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
August 20, 2017 at 1:07 pmSo many fabulous flavors going on here!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland recently posted…What to Eat Now: Blackberries
Robyn
August 22, 2017 at 7:59 pmIt’s hard to narrow it down to 5 ingredients, Sue, but when you can find strong flavours that are compatible, it’s quite exciting 🙂
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:18 amI’m sold on one pots, Sue. Time to create a bunch more!
DealinDiva
August 26, 2017 at 1:30 pmNice rich flavors, love it.
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:15 amThank you! And thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Kim
August 26, 2017 at 2:05 pmI would make the chickpea pasta with fresh multi colored tomatoes,Garlic,Fresh basil,Parmesan and olive oil.
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:14 amOne of my favourite ways as well, Kim. All the beautiful heirlooms are ready at the farmer’s markets these days.
Laurie P
August 26, 2017 at 3:31 pma pasta dish with garden fresh tomatoes, rapini, and a ton of garlic is a family favorite!
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:14 amI love that too, Laurie. Not much can beat fresh tomatoes and pasta! Thanks for visiting.
Judy
August 26, 2017 at 9:39 pmI would try making a pasta salad with the Chickpea Pasta that was full of veggies.
Judy
August 26, 2017 at 9:39 pmName should be Judy Cowan
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 2:12 amYou’ll want to visit http://www.choosechickapea.com, Judy. Lots of great recipes for delicious pasta salads! Thanks for visiting 🙂
Sharon austin
August 27, 2017 at 8:21 amI would make this ,, i work full time + and my hubby is disabled,, fast, easy dinners are my favorite,, thanks for the opportunity!!
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 1:17 pmSuch a fun and easy dish, Sharon. Chickapea is perfect for these kind of dinners. Good luck!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Maritess
August 27, 2017 at 11:59 amI would make my kid’s favourite pasta salad with grilled chicken strips.
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 1:18 pmSounds like the perfect dinner, Maritess! Thanks for visiting:)
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
August 27, 2017 at 6:11 pmI think I would make your recipe – it looks sooo good
Robyn
August 27, 2017 at 8:55 pmOh, I hope you share a photo when you make it, Brenda. You can email me or share it on Facebook or Instagram. Enjoy!
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Shannon
August 28, 2017 at 10:22 amI would make something with pesto! I am all about the pesto this summer. 🙂
Robyn
August 30, 2017 at 7:04 amI love pesto too, Shannon. The basil in the garden is at it’s peak right now so I’m busy experimenting with all kinds of pesto. Coming up next – zucchini pesto! 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Sun-Dried Tomato, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta
Soozle
August 29, 2017 at 1:13 pmI would love to make a light pasta salad – perfect for a BBQ on the last days of summer!