Simple Spinach Ricotta Pasta 🍝🌱

This delightful pasta dish combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the fresh, vibrant taste of spinach. It's quick to prepare and uses minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta beautifully, while the spinach adds a burst of color and flavor. Serve it alongside a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal! 🍷🥗

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz of pasta (any shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups of fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For garnish

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

• Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

🥣 Make sure to save some pasta water! This starchy water will help emulsify the sauce and create a creamy consistency.

• Sauté the garlic: In the same pot or 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.

• Add the spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using red pepper flakes, add them now for a little kick!

• Mix in the cheeses: Reduce the heat to low, then add the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy. If it's too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

• Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🌿 For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding the zest of a lemon just before serving—it brightens up the dish beautifully!

• Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Variations

• Add proteins: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal. 🍗🦐
• Herb-infused: Stir in other fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added depth of flavor.
• Creamy vegan option: Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative and toss in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Consider adding some cashew cream for creaminess. 🌱
• High altitude: If you're cooking at high altitudes, you may need to increase your cooking time slightly for the pasta and adjust the amount of liquid in the sauce.

Enjoy your Simple Spinach Ricotta Pasta—perfectly creamy, colorful, and oh-so-satisfying! 😋🍽️