Goat Cheesy Pasta

When I was in college my roommates and I had a few serious vices.

• Frozen yogurt loaded to the max
• Mean Girls, the movie
• Blended margaritas (it was just one spring quarter... okay, maybe longer)
• TiVo'd episodes of The Biggest Loser

Yes, we were on college budgets and we made sure there was room for a DVR. Priorities. Totally came in handy during the High School Musical craze. 

Anywho, if you're a fan of the Biggest Loser circa 5 years ago then you know who Bob Harper is... He's the hot southern trainer guy who, like Anderson Cooper, does not appear to be his actual age. Bob is nearly 50. Mind. Blown. One of my regular blog reads did an interview with him here.

Anyway, he just came out with a book called The Skinny Rules. I would read it, but my sister already informed me that one of the rules is "no carbs after lunch" or some craziness like that, and so I just don't want to know any more. Sure, following the skinny rules would probably be a great benefit to your life. So would following any other arbitrary set of food restrictions. But that's what that is: restriction. It's not moderation. And that's the key for my happy food relationship. To each his own.

So here is a big pile of carbs, to be eaten post-lunch.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Mushroom, and Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta

serves six

1 bag linguine

salt

2 cup reserved hot pasta water

1 tbsp EVOO

1 shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups mushrooms, sliced

6 cups fresh spinach

1/3 c. sun-dried tomatoes in oil

6 oz. goat cheese

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and salt heavily. This is the key to delicious pasta. Or don't if you have a heart condition...

When pasta is finished, drain and set aside. Reserve 2 cups of hot starchy pasta water and toss the rest of the water.

Mince things that make you cry while you watch your noodles boil.

Add EVOO to empty pot over med-high heat. Saute garlic and shallot for 2-3 minutes, or until soft.

Add mushrooms, a pinch of salt to help them sweat, and a few tablespoons of pasta water to help them steam. Saute for 2 minutes.

Add spinach and tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium low.

Saute for 2 minutes or so or until spinach is wilted.

Add back in the pasta and the goat cheese. Pour over pasta water in 1/4 c. increments and toss until you are satisfied with the creaminess. You won't need all the pasta water.

The hot water and noodles will melt the goat cheese and create a sort of alfredo-like sauce.

Amazing!

Serve with bread and toast to the skinny rules.