Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight

Why make this recipe

Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight is a great choice for a quick and tasty meal. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients from fresh spinach. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

How to make Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach, then stir in the ricotta mixture. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

How to serve Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight

Serve the Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight warm. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a nice touch. You can pair this dish with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to store Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or more pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Tips to make Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight

• Use any pasta shape you like—farfalle, penne, or spaghetti all work well.
• For extra flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the garlic and spinach.
• Make sure not to overcook the spinach; it should be wilted but still vibrant.

Variation

You can add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for added protein. Alternatively, swap the spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

2. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
   You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.

3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Delight is a vegetarian dish.