Goat Cheese Chicken Pasta | Creamy And Flavorful

Imagine juicy chicken, rosemary, and a melt-in-your-mouth goat cheese sauce all in one heavenly pasta dish. This post shares how to make a goat cheese chicken pasta recipe that will knock everyone’s socks off!  

True Story: This Goat Cheese Chicken Pasta was devoured in a matter of minutes by Dustin and me (kids are still iffy about goat cheese).

And oh my, the creaminess.

I’ve always loved goat cheese on just about anything – salads, pizza, burgers, spoons…

So naturally, if you added it to a creamy chicken pasta dish with some freshly picked rosemary from my garden… I’ll be there for that any day!

And since we’re eating healthy — I understand chicken breasts are usually the go-to protein of choice (since it’s a leaner cut).  

But for this recipe where the sauce makes the dish, we’ll be using juicy chicken thighs for the creamy sauce. And anyway, chicken thighs are also healthy! 

So if you’re ready to learn how to make this winner of a dish, let’s get to it! Who knows, you might be able to enjoy this 30-minute meal for tonight’s dinner?  

What Is In This Pasta? 

This decadent dish is really so easy and simple to make. You’ll just need to prepare your choice of healthy pasta, proper seasoning for the chicken thighs (plus the thighs), and ingredients for your sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need…

For the pasta:

• Whole wheat penne noodles: Loaded with nutrients like protein, fiber, magnesium, complex carbs, iron, and zinc. (Definitely healthier than white pasta.) You can also use quinoa or chickpea noodles.

For the chicken:

• Sea salt: Good quality sea salt may be beneficial for regulating blood pressure when used in moderation. It also contains minerals that the body can use to boost immunity.

• Ground black pepper: Some studies show that piperine, the compound in ground black pepper may help reduce free radical damage. 

• Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless): The drippings from these juicy thighs will be essential for the sauce. (I know right? I can taste it already too.) You’re also getting immune-boosting benefits from iron and zinc.

• Olive oil: Olive oil has antioxidants that may help fight cancer and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It also has a high smoke point and is a great replacement for unhealthy saturated fats. 

For the sauce:

• Goat cheese: Goat cheese is rich in protein plus a combination of copper, phosphorus, and calcium. Read on further below for more benefits!

• Full-fat Greek yogurt: Creamy, clean, rich in protein, lower in sodium and carbs. I have at least 35 recipes with Greek yogurt. I just love the versatility and benefits of it.

• Garlic (minced): I’m a garlic girl for life.

• Fresh rosemary (minced): Rosemary has powerful antioxidants with high levels of vitamin B6, calcium, and iron. It can help in boosting the immune system, improving brain health, and blood circulation. 

Why Is Goat Cheese Good For You?

Aside from the fact that goat cheese is an incredibly delicious and creamy treat… Here are more reasons to incorporate this amazing cheese into your diet. 

• It promotes weight loss: Goat cheese helps you feel fuller longer which also reduces hunger. 

• Goat cheese improves gut health and immunity: It actually contains probiotics which also help boost your immunity!

• It may help with bone health: It’s high in calcium, which is great for bone health and your teeth. 

• Goat cheese is easier to digest: For those sensitive to dairy products, goat cheese contains less lactose and less casein than cow’s milk. This makes it much easier to digest.

• It is filled with beneficial nutrients: Goat cheese is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

• It is packed with protein: You also get a good dose of protein from this wonderful cheese! One serving alone already contains 6 grams.

Is Goat Cheese Chicken Pasta Healthy?

Yes, this version is a clean and healthy recipe! We’re using wholewheat pasta which is healthier (and has more nutrients than white pasta). 

For the sauce, we’ve substituted Greek yogurt (lighter and healthier) for heavy creams that are also heavy in calories. 

You’re also getting a balanced mix of antioxidants and nutrients from the chicken, rosemary, goat cheese, garlic, olive oil, and seasoning.)

What Foods Go Well With Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese is an amazingly versatile ingredient. There are many ways to enjoy this soft, fluffy, and yummy cheese. Here are some ideas:

• Fig, Pistachio & Goat Cheese Salad (Goat cheese adds a lovely texture and creaminess to salads! Imagine a tangy dressing balanced out by this earthy and savory cheese.)

• A Healthy Meat and Cheese Platter

• Pesto & Goat Cheese Burger (I did say I love it on burgers. So imagine topping off a juicy burger with this fluffy goodness…sheer bliss y’all.) 

• Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with White Wine Vinegar Dressing (The cheese perfectly complements the acidity you’re getting from the white wine dressing.)

• Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza (And then, of course, pesto. Goat cheese and pesto make my heart flutter.) 

Is Goats Cheese Inflammatory?

Yes, goat cheese has anti-inflammatory benefits. Goat’s milk contains capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that’s been shown to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

And because goat’s milk is easily digestible by the body, it makes a great option for those with gastrointestinal problems. It is also better tolerated by those with lactose issues and therefore does not cause inflammation the way cow’s milk can.

Does Goat Cheese Melt Creamy? 

Goat cheese does not melt the same way cheddar and mozzarella cheese melt. Because it has a higher moisture content, goat cheese softens in clumps when heated. How it melts will depend on how it’s heated and what you’re mixing it with.

For example, when placed on top of a pizza that’s baked, it will come out in clumps from the oven. If sprinkled on top of warm pasta, it will also stay in clumps.

But if you toss it in with warm cooked pasta, the cheese will melt into a saucy and creamy consistency. 

You can also choose to mix it in with milk or other liquids if you need to melt it into a sauce. For this recipe, we’re mixing it with greek yogurt. 

How Do You Make Goat Cheese Pasta Sauce? 

For this recipe, all you have to do is mix the goat cheese together with the other sauce ingredients into the warm, cooked pasta. 

Here’s how:

1. Add your cooked pasta (makes sure it’s drained) into a large mixing bowl. 
2. Then, add the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Mix them all together until the cheese melts and the sauce creates a nice and creamy consistency.

If your sauce seems too thick, you can always reserve a cup of pasta water to mix into it. (Make sure to save some before draining your pasta.) This will help thin out your sauce a bit more to give it that smoother consistency. 

How To Store?

Simply store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It should last you for around 3 to 5 days if properly stored. 

More Healthy Pasta Recipes

Stay on the pasta train with me for a bit, won’t you? Try out any one of these fabulous recipes:

• Pasta Primavera
• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp With Sweet Potato Noodles
• Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
• Sweet Potato Lasagna

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