Ricotta Pasta with Sausage
Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Ricotta Pasta with Sausage is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels effortlessly gourmet. Al dente pasta—like rigatoni or penne—is coated in a luscious ricotta and Parmesan cheese sauce that comes together in minutes. Savory Italian sausage adds hearty richness, while garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes bring depth and a touch of heat. Fresh spinach offers a pop of color and extra nutrients, making this dish as wholesome as it is delicious. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy nights but elegant enough for entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautifully finished meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Ideal for pasta lovers seeking a creamy, cheesy, and savory treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
If desired, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sausage mixture.
Stir in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Start with about 1/2 cup and add more if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary.
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
501 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 997 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 26.3 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 314 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 555 mg | 12% | |
*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.
