Asparagus, Pea & Goats Cheese Penne

This is one of those pastas that feels effortless, but somehow still a little special.

The vegetables soften gently in the pan, sweet peas, tender asparagus, soft ribbons of courgette all brought together with garlic and olive oil. Then the goat’s cheese melts through, creating a light, creamy sauce that coats everything without feeling heavy.

It’s fresh, soft, and full of subtle flavour. The kind of meal that comes together easily, but still feels considered.

Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing, comforting, and just a little bit elevated.

Serves

2 to 3

Ingredients

250–300g penne (I used Barilla Al Bronzo)

1–2 tbsp olive oil

2–3 cloves garlic, crushed

2–3 spring onions, thinly sliced

1 small courgette, thinly sliced

200g asparagus, trimmed and sliced

100g frozen peas

50–70g soft goat’s cheese

Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil)

Lemon zest

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Cook the pasta
   Cook the penne in well-salted water until al dente.
   Reserve 1 to 2 cups of pasta water before draining.

2. Start the vegetables
   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   Add the spring onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until softened.

3. Build the base
   Add the courgette and asparagus. Cook until just tender.
   Stir through the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Add the peas
   Add the peas along with a small splash of water or pasta water.
   Let everything soften gently.

5. Create the sauce
   Remove the pan from the heat and stir through the goat’s cheese until melted and creamy.

6. Bring it together
   Add fresh herbs and enough reserved pasta water to create a light, glossy sauce.

7. Finish
   Toss through the cooked pasta.
   Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
   Finish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra goat’s cheese if you like.

Notes

Best eaten fresh, while the sauce is still soft and glossy.

You can adjust the consistency with extra pasta water as needed, this keeps the sauce light rather than heavy.

A flexible recipe, swap greens depending on what you have, or add extra herbs for more brightness.

Mindful Moment

There is something quietly satisfying about a meal like this.

Nothing complicated, nothing overwhelming, just a few ingredients coming together in a way that feels balanced and complete.

The softness of the vegetables, the warmth of the pasta, the way the sauce lightly coats each bite.

Mindful eating can be as simple as noticing that.
Slowing down just enough to taste it properly, to enjoy the textures, the warmth, the freshness.

Sometimes that is more than enough.