Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This creamy ricotta pasta recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and healthy meal, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this unbelievably easy and flavorful dish!
Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Lemon
This recipe delivers a burst of fresh flavors, combining the richness of ricotta with the earthy spinach and the bright zing of lemon. It's a quick dinner idea that's surprisingly healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the garlic and spinach: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine the ingredients: Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Stir until the ricotta is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy ricotta sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ricotta Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the dish.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down quickly and adds a vibrant green color and fresh flavor to the dish. Frozen spinach can be used but will result in a slightly watery sauce.
- Adjust the lemon juice: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted to your preference. If you like a more intense lemon flavor, add a tablespoon or two more.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the pasta.
Variations:
- Sun-dried tomato ricotta pasta: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of umami flavor.
- Mushroom ricotta pasta: Sauté some mushrooms with the garlic and spinach for an earthy twist.
- Roasted vegetable ricotta pasta: Roast your favorite vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini) and add them to the pasta at the end.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. However, a single serving is generally considered a healthy meal providing a good source of protein and calcium from the ricotta cheese. The spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and enter your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This creamy ricotta pasta recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect example of how easy it is to create delicious dishes using simple, fresh ingredients. Enjoy!