Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: Spinach Ricotta Pasta! It’s the kind of meal that comes together in a flash, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Picture this: tender pasta mixed with creamy ricotta and vibrant, fresh spinach, all brought together with just a hint of garlic. The flavors meld beautifully, and trust me, every bite feels like a warm hug! I love that it’s vegetarian, too, so it’s great for anyone looking to sneak in some greens. Seriously, whether I’m entertaining friends or just treating myself, this dish never disappoints! You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for a quick, satisfying dinner anytime.
Ingredients List
- 200g pasta (your choice, I usually go for penne or fettuccine)
- 150g ricotta cheese (creamy and dreamy, it’s the star of the show)
- 100g fresh spinach (don’t skimp on this; it adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin if you’ve got it for that rich flavor)
- Salt to taste (I like a good pinch, but you do you!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked, for that extra zing)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (a must for that cheesy finish)
How to Prepare Spinach Ricotta Pasta
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large pan and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. You want it warm, but not smoking—just enough to release those lovely flavors.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute. Wow, the aroma will be incredible! Just make sure it doesn’t burn, or it’ll get bitter.
- Now, it’s time to add the fresh spinach. Stir it in and let it cook down until it’s wilted, which should take just a couple of minutes. The vibrant green color is so inviting!
- Once the spinach is looking good, mix in the ricotta cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined, and the ricotta gets all creamy and luxurious.
- By now, your pasta should be ready! Drain it, but don’t rinse—let that starchy goodness cling to the noodles. Add the pasta straight to the pan with the spinach and ricotta mix.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, tossing everything together until it’s well coated. If you want to, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up a bit.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Only requires a handful of simple, fresh ingredients.
- Rich and creamy texture from the ricotta cheese.
- Nutritious and vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
- Customizable—add your favorite herbs or veggies for a personal twist.
- Deliciously satisfying, with flavors that dance on your palate.
Tips for Success
To make your Spinach Ricotta Pasta even more delightful, here are some handy tips! First, if you want to lighten things up, try using whole wheat pasta—it adds a nice nutty flavor. For a touch of zest, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes! Cooking times can vary slightly, so always taste a strand of pasta to ensure it’s perfectly al dente. And don’t hesitate to throw in some cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Serve it with a simple side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that feels fancy without the fuss!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of this delightful Spinach Ricotta Pasta. Each serving packs about 400 calories, with 15g of fat—including 5g of saturated fat. You’ll also get 15g of protein from the ricotta, alongside 50g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. It’s a satisfying meal that also offers a touch of greenery! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices. Enjoy your delicious, nutritious bowl of goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the recipe. Frozen spinach can save you some prep time and still tastes great!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Spinach Ricotta Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! You can toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost. Tofu is also a fantastic vegetarian option!
What other cheeses can I use?
If you want to mix it up, try using goat cheese or cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well in the fridge and can be a fantastic, quick lunch option throughout the week!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your Spinach Ricotta Pasta is super simple! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to keep it from drying out. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick fix, just cover it to retain moisture. Either way, it’ll taste almost as good as when it was first made!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Spinach Ricotta Pasta, you want to elevate the experience a bit! A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch. You could also serve it with some warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra dose of flavor? Whatever you choose, it’s all about creating a delightful meal that makes you smile!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on the health benefits of spinach, visit Healthline.
Print
Spinach Ricotta Pasta: 7 Reasons to Indulge Tonight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious pasta dish featuring spinach and ricotta cheese.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 150g ricotta cheese
- 100g fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in ricotta cheese.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- This dish can be served hot or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Spinach Ricotta Pasta, pasta, vegetarian, Italian