Do it for the Gram: Speedy but spectacular goat’s cheese linguine

Not only is this pasta bright and Instagrammable, it’s also delicious, says Prudence Wade, as well as ideal for a speedy meal when you’re in a rush, or the perfect dinner party serve

Using frozen spinach is a clever hack for reducing food waste and saving money (Mimi Harrison/PA)

This vibrantly green pasta recipe is one of my favourites in the book,” says Mimi Harrison, author of Beat The Budget.

“Not only is it bright and Instagrammable, it’s also so delicious. The frozen spinach is reasonably priced and you don’t have to worry about it going off in the fridge. And the goat’s cheese provides creaminess, acidity and tang, all in one ingredient (hello, cost-effective!).

“This is ideal for a speedy meal when you’re in a rush, or to serve to friends at a dinner party when you don’t want to spend half the night in the kitchen.”

Goat’s cheese, spinach and basil linguine

Serves: 5

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced

500g linguine

3 garlic cloves, finely grated

160g frozen spinach

125g goat’s cheese

30g fresh basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Chilli flakes (optional)

Method:

1. Set a non-stick pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and gently fry for four minutes.

2. Meanwhile, set a large pan of salted water over a medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for two minutes less than the packet cooking time.

3. While the pasta is cooking and once the onions have softened, add the garlic to fry for a minute before adding the frozen spinach to the pan, along with 400 millilitres of the starchy pasta water. Increase the heat and cook the spinach and onion mix until the pasta is ready.

4. Add the spinach and onion mix to a blender with half of the goat’s cheese and the basil and blitz until smooth.

5. Drain the linguine and transfer back to the pan. Pour over the blended sauce and continue to cook over a low\medium heat.

6. After about two minutes, the sauce should thicken and coat the linguine. Serve with a sprinkle of any remaining goat’s cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, top with chilli flakes if you love a little heat.

‘Beat The Budget’ by Mimi Harrison (Ebury Press, £16.99).