Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• Pasta: 300g about 10.5 oz of your favorite pasta (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• Ricotta Cheese: 250g about 9 oz
• Spinach: 200g about 7 oz fresh spinach (or 150g frozen, thawed and drained)
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan Cheese: 50g about 1.5 oz, grated
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Nutmeg: a pinch optional
• Lemon Juice: from half a lemon optional, for freshness
• Variations
• Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Vegan Option: Substitute ricotta with a vegan alternative like tofu blended with nutritional yeast and use a vegan pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Tips
• For a creamier sauce feel free to add a splash of pasta cooking water to the ricotta mixture.
• Fresh spinach works best but frozen can be a great time-saver. Just ensure it's thoroughly drained.
• If you like a bit of heat add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Instructions

 

• Instructions
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
• Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
• Reserve Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. This will help to adjust the sauce consistency later.
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. If using frozen spinach, add it in after the garlic has softened. Cook until the spinach wilts (about 2-3 minutes for fresh; 5 minutes for frozen).
• Mix Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
• Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
• Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.
• Combine: In the skillet with the spinach, add the drained pasta. Stir in the ricotta mixture, combining everything well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
• Step 4: Serve
• Plate the Dish: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Garnish: You can garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color.
  

Keyword Pasta, Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci

If you’re looking for a comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s both simple and satisfying, Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci is the perfect choice. This delightful recipe combines fresh spinach with a luscious ricotta sauce, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. From my own personal experience, this is one of those recipes that impresses friends and family, yet it’s incredibly easy to whip up on a weeknight. Let me show you how I make this delightful pasta.

Notes on What to Expect

This dish will offer a wonderful balance of creamy and savory flavors, with the freshness of spinach cutting through the richness of the ricotta. You can expect a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450
• Cost of Ingredients: About $10 (varies based on location and ingredient brands)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci  now.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300g (about 10.5 oz) of your favorite pasta (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• Ricotta Cheese: 250g (about 9 oz)
• Spinach: 200g (about 7 oz) fresh spinach (or 150g frozen, thawed and drained)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan Cheese: 50g (about 1.5 oz), grated
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Nutmeg: a pinch (optional)
• Lemon Juice: from half a lemon (optional, for freshness)

Variations

• Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Vegan Option: Substitute ricotta with a vegan alternative (like tofu blended with nutritional yeast) and use a vegan pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Tips

• For a creamier sauce, feel free to add a splash of pasta cooking water to the ricotta mixture.
• Fresh spinach works best, but frozen can be a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s thoroughly drained.
• If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci  now.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
2. Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
3. Reserve Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. This will help to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. If using frozen spinach, add it in after the garlic has softened. Cook until the spinach wilts (about 2-3 minutes for fresh; 5 minutes for frozen).
3. Mix Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.
2. Combine: In the skillet with the spinach, add the drained pasta. Stir in the ricotta mixture, combining everything well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.
2. Garnish: You can garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Salsa di Ricotta e Spinaci seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Enjoy your delicious pasta creation!