Description
Creamy tomato basil ricotta pasta delights with fresh spinach and rich Italian flavors. Quick weeknight dinners find new passion in this simple, elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or your choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Main Dairy Components:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in generously salted water at a rolling boil for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add fresh cherry tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to soften and slightly blister, then introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and become vibrant green.
- Reduce heat and fold creamy ricotta cheese into the vegetable mixture, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce. Incorporate freshly chopped basil, seasoning with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Introduce cooked pasta directly into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure every strand is lavishly coated with the ricotta and vegetable blend.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with additional torn basil leaves for a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain a perfect al dente texture that holds sauce beautifully.
- Choose ripe, fresh tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the dish.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that complements the creamy ricotta and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg