Penne With Ricotta And Spinach Sauce
Creamy ricotta and spinach sauce coats penne in a velvety, garlicky Italian pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop frozen spinach finely and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the spinach and a few pinches of salt to the skillet, sautéing for about 2 minutes while turning frequently.
- Turn off the heat and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the spinach and butter mixture.
- Stir in ½ cup whole milk ricotta and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan.
- Enjoy
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for a little kick. If you're short on ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute, though it may change the texture slightly. Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in your sauce, which could dilute the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy penne dish alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, pair it with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. It also pairs beautifully with Quick N' Easy Spinach Lasagna for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Ricotta And Spinach Sauce contains roughly 807 calories, with 20g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1781mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas. They can be mixed in with the pasta and sauce for a more filling meal. Additionally, you could serve it with a side of Italian sausage for a heartier option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).