Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Easy & Delicious
Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines fresh greens with rich, velvety cheese. The mild sweetness of ricotta complements the earthy taste of spinach, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. With its creamy texture and vibrant color, this pasta is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy lunches, or elegant dinners. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks yet flavorful enough to impress family and guests. The combination of wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, garlic, and a hint of lemon makes it both nutritious and indulgent. Each bite offers a comforting yet fresh taste, making Ricotta Spinach Pasta a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side for larger meals.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) | 200 g | 720 kcal |
| Fresh spinach | 200 g | 45 kcal |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup (250 g) | 400 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 12 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 50 g | 200 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 5 kcal |
| Lemon zest (optional) | 1 tsp | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. - Sauté garlic and spinach
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. - Add ricotta and seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta cheese until creamy and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning to reach a silky consistency. - Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta and toss lightly. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions for a heartier meal.
- Cheese variations: Mix in mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy kick: Red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder adds subtle heat.
- Extra veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers pair beautifully with this sauce.
- Vegan version: Use cashew cream or vegan ricotta as a substitute.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650–700 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70–75 g |
| Fat | 30–35 g |
| Sodium | Moderate |
This pasta is rich, creamy, and filling, making it an ideal main course for lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Ricotta Spinach Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a sophisticated touch, pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the freshness of the spinach and richness of the ricotta.
Ricotta Spinach Pasta
2–3
servings10
minutes15
minutes650-700
kcalIngredients
200 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
200 g fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese (250 g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, 3–4 minutes.
- Add ricotta and seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta cheese until creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to reach a silky consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta, toss lightly, and serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Ricotta Spinach Pasta is all about balancing creamy, rich cheese with the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach. To achieve a smooth and silky sauce, stir in the ricotta off the heat and use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed.
FAQs
1. What makes Ricotta Spinach Pasta so flavorful?
The creamy ricotta perfectly balances the earthy taste of fresh spinach. Garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon zest elevate the flavor, making each bite rich yet fresh.
2. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni all work well. Pasta with ridges or a wider surface holds the creamy sauce best.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, reduce the ricotta slightly, or substitute with low-fat ricotta or Greek yogurt. Adding extra vegetables increases fiber and nutrients.
4. Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu work wonderfully, making the dish a complete and filling meal.
5. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Replace ricotta with vegan ricotta or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a fully plant-based version.
Conclusion
Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a versatile, creamy, and nutritious dish that combines fresh spinach and smooth ricotta for a comforting and elegant meal. Quick and simple to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or entertaining guests. With its balanced flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant color, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for satisfying, wholesome meals.
