EASY SPINACH RICOTTA PASTA

Creamy, cozy, and surprisingly simple, this Spinach Ricotta Pasta is a perfect choice when you want a quick homemade dinner without a lot of fuss. Tender fettuccine is tossed in a creamy ricotta sauce with garlic and spinach for a comforting meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but still feels special!

Easy Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructions

1. Place the frozen spinach in a colander and let it thaw while you prepare the pasta and sauce. Once thawed, squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and keep it nearby.
4. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and softened. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
5. Pour in the milk and add the ricotta cheese. Stir everything together until mostly smooth. The ricotta may have a slightly grainy texture, which is completely fine.
6. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Squeeze the thawed spinach firmly to remove any remaining water. Add it to the ricotta sauce and stir until evenly combined.
8. Give the sauce a taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Turn off the heat.
9. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until the pasta is nicely coated in the creamy spinach ricotta sauce.
10. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your favorite consistency.
11. Serve the pasta warm and enjoy right away. For an extra finishing touch, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a little freshly cracked black pepper if you like.

Share this post