Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci: A Comforting Italian Delight

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Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 25 minutes, Ease of Cooking: Easy, Servings: 4, Calories: Approximately 400 per serving, Cost of Ingredients: $8-$12 (depending on local prices), Cuisine: Italian, Course: Main Course.

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Equipment

• Large pot, skillet, mixing bowl, strainer, spatula

Ingredients

  

• Pasta:
• 300 g 10 oz of your favorite pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti work well)
• Ricotta Mixture:
• 250 g 9 oz ricotta cheese
• 150 g 5 oz fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
• Toppings:
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
• Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
• Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
• Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained and heat through.
• Mix Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, sautéed spinach and garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until well blended.
• Step 3: Combine and Serve
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is achieved.
• Serve: Plate the pasta, top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delightful Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci!

Italian cuisine is renowned for its ability to combine simple ingredients into delightful meals, and Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci is a perfect example. This creamy, rich pasta dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. From my own personal experience, it’s a go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. So, let me show you how I make this delightful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

This dish is creamy and comforting, with the ricotta providing a rich texture while the spinach adds freshness. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Italian flavors and a wonderful way to bring a little taste of Italy into your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and remember, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $8-$12 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, skillet, mixing bowl, strainer, spatula

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci  here 

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 300g (10 oz) of your favorite pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti work well)
• Ricotta Mixture:
  • 250g (9 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 150g (5 oz) fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Toppings:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci  here 

Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained and heat through.
3. Mix Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, sautéed spinach and garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until well blended.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is achieved.
2. Serve: Plate the pasta, top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delightful Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci!

Variations and Tips

• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Substitute: Swap ricotta for a vegan alternative, such as cashew cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast.  Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci  here 

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg

Troubleshooting Tips

• Pasta Sticking Together: Make sure to stir the pasta in the boiling water and use enough salt to prevent sticking. If pasta is sticky after draining, add a little olive oil.
• Too Thick: If the ricotta mixture is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.