Vegetarian Spinach Pasta
A creamy vegetarian spinach pasta featuring ricotta, mozzarella, fresh spinach, and a flavorful tomato-basil sauce, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. box De Cecco gourmet pasta (wide ruffle rectangular)
- 16 oz. carton ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. pkg. sliced mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 26 oz. jar tomato-basil Classico sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans spinach or equivalent amount fresh spinach ⓘ
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil with one tablespoon each of salt and olive oil.
- Add the pasta and gently stir.
- Cook for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring not to overcook.
- Drain a portion of the water from the pasta.
- Add 1 cup of cool water to the pasta to stop cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Vegetarian Spinach Pasta, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the ricotta. If you're short on time, substitute fresh spinach with frozen, just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of Fettuccine Alfredo (Microwave) sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Vegetarian Spinach Pasta with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad would complement the dish nicely. For a delightful starter, consider pairing it with Prosciutto-Parmesan Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms for a harmonious Italian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cover the dish, then heat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will help maintain the pasta's texture and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Spinach Pasta contains roughly 1117 calories, with 51g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), protein (101% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2435mg per serving (106% 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
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for wide ruffle rectangular pasta, you can substitute it with any shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require adjustments.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Vegetarian Spinach Pasta for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What can I add for extra protein?
If you're looking to boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans, which pair well with the flavors of the dish. You could also incorporate sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken for those who are not strictly vegetarian.
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).