Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Short description

A creamy and satisfying dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a vibrant blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of nutmeg—perfect for a comforting yet light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The ricotta cheese provides a light, creamy texture without the heaviness of a traditional cream sauce.

• Fresh spinach adds both color and a nutritious green boost.

• Simple ingredients come together quickly for a dish that feels both elegant and homey.

• Versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner staple or an easy dish for entertaining.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• Fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
• Ricotta cheese
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Nutmeg (a small pinch)
• Optional: lemon zest, red pepper flakes, fresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—do not let it brown.

3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring gently. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese. Add a pinch of nutmeg and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Optionally, add a bit of lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten the flavor.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

storage/reheating

• To store: Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, and add a little liquid if needed to prevent drying.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can—but be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out excess water before using to avoid a watery sauce.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes. Use a plant-based ricotta alternative and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. A little nutritional yeast can help add a savory flavor.

3. What other greens can I use in place of spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula (added at the end of cooking) would work well—adjust cooking times accordingly.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta would pair nicely.

5. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Try adding garlic powder, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

6. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the spinach-ricotta mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

7. Is there a way to make this richer?

Yes—stirring in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a pat of butter will make it more indulgent.

8. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Be sure to reserve some of the cooking water—its starch helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and prevent sticking.

9. Can I bake this as a pasta casserole?

Yes. Combine the sauced pasta with extra ricotta and Parmesan, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Will this freeze well?

Freezing is not recommended, as the ricotta can become watery and separate upon thawing, altering the creamy texture.

Conclusion

Spinach ricotta pasta is a delightful blend of creamy cheese and nutritious greens—all ready in around 25 minutes. Light yet satisfying, it’s ideal for a family supper or an uncomplicated dinner with friends. With flexible ingredients and easy adjustments for dietary preferences, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen

Print