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.
Large pot, skillet, mixing bowl, strainer, spatula
- 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
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!