“A la minute” is a French culinary expression that refers to a dish being prepared in the last minute before service, instead of ahead of time. We had some practice with a la minute sauces during last week’s pasta class, so tonight I replicated one of my favorite dishes for my parents: a spinach, sun-dried tomato and goat cheese pasta.

If you’re a goat cheese lover, this recipe is definitely for you. It’s creamy, filling, incredibly easier and healthier than an alfredo or cream sauce. Dig in!

“A la minute” Goat Cheese Pasta

Prep time: 10 minutes, yields about 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 servings choice of pasta (fresh is best!)
  • salt, for water
  • 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup dry sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable stock
  • 4 oz goat cheese

Procedure:

1. In a large pot, salt water and bring pasta to a boil according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, head olive oil in a large saute pan. Add spinach and saute until wilted, then add sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable stock. Stir constantly until tomatoes are softened.

3. When pasta is done cooking, remove immediately from pot and add to saute pan. Crumble in goat cheese and toss with tomatoes and spinach. If sauce is sticky, add more vegetable stock, a few tablespoons at a time.

4. Serve immediately.

It got rave reviews from the parents, who paired it with red wine for an Italian-themed meal. This would be a great dish for last-minute company, or a gourmet weeknight meal!

What sorts of things do you always leave until the last minute? I’m a pretty organized person in general, but I never feel like drying my hair until two minutes before I leave the house. My head gets cold a lot. I also believe that studying is best done en route to the test…