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Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta

Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta
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Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner recipe that combines lean ground beef, fresh spinach, and rich ricotta cheese with your favorite pasta. This comforting yet elegant dish is quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta & Sauce

  • 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or sturdy pasta of choice
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your choice of pasta, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano.
  4. Add Spinach and Tomato Sauce: Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Then pour in the tomato sauce, mixing everything thoroughly to combine.
  5. Incorporate Ricotta and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in ricotta cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately for the best creamy, savory goodness.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for brighter flavor and better texture than frozen.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente works best for mixing with sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid greasiness.
  • Allow sauce to simmer briefly with spinach and tomato sauce for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ricotta, spinach, beef, pasta, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, Italian

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/ricotta-spinach-beef-pasta/