Spinach Chive Ricotta Pasta Recipes

LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, make the ricotta sauce.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest and juice. Season with 1/4 tsp of salt and a good pinch of pepper.
• Stir until well combined, taste and make sure you're happy with the seasoning.
• In the last minute of the pasta's cooking time, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then and add spinach to the pot. Stir well and push the leaves down to submerge them in water.
• After 1 minute, drain and return pasta and spinach to the same pot.
• Add the ricotta sauce and part of the reserved cooking water. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce, add more cooking water as needed, you want a smooth and creamy texture.
• Serve immediately and garnish with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon wedges if desired (for extra freshly squeezed juice, but I leave it optional). Plus, I love adding a good pinch of red pepper flakes, you might give it a go. Enjoy!

LOW-FAT SPINACH AND RICOTTA PASTA

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn't brown.
• Add spinach and basil to the skillet and stir until wilted.
• Then add ricotta cheese and milk (and optional lemon juice and zest) to skillet and stir well.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup or so of the cooking water.
• Combine cooked pasta and ricotta mixture in a large bowl. If it is too thick, add a bit of the cooking water to the mixture.
• Serve immediately with some freshly ground black pepper and an optional 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese per serving.

RICOTTA AND SPINACH FILLING FOR FRESH PASTA

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Set a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a couple of paper towels over a bowl. Add the ricotta and allow it to strain out excess liquid for 5 to 10 minutes as you continue with the prep.
• Boil a large saucepan of salted water . Plunge the spinach in to blanch it, then remove it 30 seconds later.
• Drain and cool the spinach under cold running water to stop the cooking.
• Finely chop the drained spinach.
• In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach with ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

SPINACH, CHIVE, RICOTTA PASTA - BETHENNY FRANKEL

Steps:

• Bring pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick pan over medium high heat and add spinach, then garlic. Saute until wilted and add salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
• When pasta is cooked, add to spinach with a 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add remaining ingredients (except chives and pine nuts) and toss well.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh chives, pinenuts and more grated parmesan.