Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci Recipe Guide

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Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• Pasta: 300g 10.5 oz of your choice (I recommend penne or farfalle)
• Ricotta Cheese: 250g 9 oz
• Spinach: 200g 7 oz fresh or 150g (5.3 oz) frozen
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan Cheese: 50g 1.75 oz, grated (plus extra for serving)
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Nutmeg: a pinch optional

Instructions

 

• Method
• Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Sauté the Spinach:
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, add it directly and cook until heated through and the moisture has evaporated.
• Combine Ingredients:
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing until well combined with the spinach. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust the amount according to your preference for sauce thickness.
• Add the Pasta:
• Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Stir gently to combine.
• Serve:
• Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
• Variations
• Add Proteins: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
• Vegetarian Options: You can add other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties available in most grocery stores.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream or a tofu rico

Keyword Pasta, Pasta con Ricotta, Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci, Pasta con Spinaci

Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci is a delightful Italian dish that brings together the creamy texture of ricotta cheese and the fresh flavor of spinach, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is not only simple to make but also comforting and satisfying, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The beautiful thing about this dish is that it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in no time. From my own personal experience, this dish has been a favorite in my home for years. So, let me show you how I make this comforting classic.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a creamy, rich dish that perfectly balances the flavors of ricotta and spinach. The pasta will be well-coated with the sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300g (10.5 oz) of your choice (I recommend penne or farfalle)
• Ricotta Cheese: 250g (9 oz)
• Spinach: 200g (7 oz) fresh or 150g (5.3 oz) frozen
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan Cheese: 50g (1.75 oz), grated (plus extra for serving)
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Nutmeg: a pinch (optional)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci  now.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci  now.

Prep Time

• 15 minutes

Cook Time

• 15 minutes

Time to Stand

• 5 minutes

Total Time

• 35 minutes

Ease of Cooking

• Easy

Servings

• 4 servings

Calories (per serving)

• Approximately 350 calories (this may vary based on exact quantities and brands used)

Cost of Ingredients

• Approximately $10 – $15 (depending on local prices)

Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   • If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, add it directly and cook until heated through and the moisture has evaporated.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing until well combined with the spinach. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   • Gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust the amount according to your preference for sauce thickness.
4. Add the Pasta:
   • Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Variations

• Add Proteins: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
• Vegetarian Options: You can add other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties available in most grocery stores.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream or a tofu ricotta.

Tips

• Quality Cheese: Use high-quality ricotta and Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Cooking Spinach: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can sauté the spinach with some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce, so don’t skip this step.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Ricotta e Spinaci  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg (varies based on added salt and cheese)

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Pasta con 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 love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure!