Pasta and Spinach with Ricotta and Herbs
Indulge in the creamy, herbaceous goodness of Pasta and Spinach with Ricotta and Herbs, a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This quick and wholesome recipe pairs tender pasta—like penne or fusilli—with fresh, vibrant spinach and a luscious ricotta cheese mixture infused with aromatic basil, parsley, and a hint of zesty lemon. Sauteed garlic adds a savory depth, while grated Parmesan lends a touch of indulgence. Tossed together with a splash of starchy pasta water for a velvety sauce, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes and serves up to four. Serve it warm and finish with extra Parmesan and basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s as satisfying as it is fresh. Ideal for lovers of creamy pasta dishes with a healthy twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 250 grams Fresh spinach
- 250 grams Ricotta cheese
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 10 grams Fresh basil leaves
- 10 grams Fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 liters Water (to cook pasta)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water (4 liters with 1 teaspoon of salt) to a boil over high heat.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and chopped basil and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Add the cooked pasta, wilted spinach, and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the mixing bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the pasta warm in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.8 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.9 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 203 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 3664 mg | 159% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.3 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 78.6 g | 157% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1890 mg | 145% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 596 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
