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To make One-Pot Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta, gather these fresh ingredients. They bring flavor and texture to the dish. - 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (fusilli or penne work well) - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The pasta serves as the base, while the ricotta adds creaminess. Fresh spinach provides color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. The garlic adds depth, and the vegetable broth keeps it moist. Olive oil enhances flavor, and red pepper flakes give a little kick. Finally, Parmesan and basil finish the dish beautifully. First, grab a large pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to let it burn! Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and start to release their juices. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. Now, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This broth will give your pasta a rich taste. Once it’s boiling, add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like fusilli or penne. Give it a good stir to coat the pasta in the broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to the lowest setting. Now it's time to make it creamy! Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach. If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. This step makes your pasta even creamier and more delicious! To keep pasta from sticking together, stir it often while cooking. A splash of olive oil in the water helps too. This little trick prevents clumping. For a creamy consistency, add the ricotta cheese and heavy cream at the end. Use low heat for melting, and mix well. Letting it sit for a couple of minutes also helps thicken the sauce. Serve your pasta in deep bowls for a warm look. Top with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma. Drizzling olive oil on top adds extra flavor and richness, making each bite delightful. To spice things up, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of Italian herbs. These will brighten the dish's flavors. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh taste. For side dishes, consider a crisp salad or garlic bread. They pair well and balance the meal's creaminess. Adding some roasted vegetables can also enhance the meal with more textures and flavors. {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Pasta Options If you need gluten-free pasta, choose brown rice or chickpea pasta. They work well in this dish. Just cook them according to the package. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for gluten-free diets. Dairy-Free Alternatives for Ricotta and Cream You can use almond or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For ricotta, try a plant-based version. Look for brands that use tofu or nuts. These swaps keep the dish creamy while catering to dairy-free diets. Replacing Spinach with Other Greens While spinach shines in this dish, kale is a great swap. It adds a hearty texture and flavor. Just chop it finely and toss it in at the same time as spinach. Other options include Swiss chard or arugula for a peppery kick. Using Different Types of Cheese for Variation You can mix it up by using goat cheese or feta. These cheeses add a tangy flavor. If you want a sharper taste, try aged cheddar. Each cheese gives the dish a new twist, so feel free to experiment. Adding Protein If you want to make this dish more filling, add chicken or shrimp. Cook the protein separately and mix it in at the end. This adds a nice texture and boosts the protein. Incorporating Other Vegetables You can add bell peppers or zucchini for more color and flavor. Just chop them up and sauté them with the tomatoes. This makes the dish more colorful and nutritious. Enjoy the rich flavors and varied textures! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If it lasts that long, it’s a miracle! Just remember to reheat it gently. This will help keep it creamy and tasty. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Make sure it cools completely. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Stir it well to mix everything together. Enjoy your creamy pasta even after freezing! Making One-Pot Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta is quick. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. So, in just 35 minutes, you can have a warm meal ready to enjoy. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and mix in all the ingredients. Then, let it cool before storing it in the fridge. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a splash of broth to help it stay creamy. If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. Mascarpone also works well for a rich taste. You can blend any of these options to get a creamy texture. This blog post detailed how to make a delicious One-Pot Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for success. Experiment with variations for dietary needs or personal taste. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy the process and make it your own!

One-Pot Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Indulge in this delicious One-Pot Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! With a blend of fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, this easy recipe highlights comforting flavors you’ll love. Say goodbye to extra dishes and hello to simplicity! Discover how to make this creamy delight in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (fusilli or penne work well)

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Add the cherry tomatoes to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.

      Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Add the pasta to the pot, stirring to coat it in the broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to the lowest setting. Add in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, chopped spinach, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Drizzle with a little olive oil for added richness, if desired. Enjoy your creamy delight!