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Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta

Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta
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Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta is a warm, comforting, and quick dinner combining creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, savory lean ground beef, and perfectly cooked tubular pasta for a hearty yet fresh dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s family-friendly, creamy, and satisfying, perfect for any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (fresh preferred)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (marinara or canned)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta stays firm enough to hold all those delicious flavors.
  2. Cook the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  3. Add Spinach and Sauce: Stir fresh spinach into the skillet with the beef, allowing it to wilt down. Pour in the tomato sauce and gently combine everything. Let the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes over low heat.
  4. Incorporate Ricotta and Pasta: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in dollops of creamy ricotta cheese. Then, add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat every piece with rich sauce and melty cheese.
  5. Serve with Parmesan: Plate your Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta, sprinkling grated Parmesan over the top. A final drizzle of olive oil or fresh cracked pepper adds the perfect finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh ricotta for a creamier texture compared to pre-packaged versions.
  • Boil pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when tossed in sauce.
  • Add spinach near the end to gently wilt it and preserve its color and nutrients.
  • Season beef and sauce separately to layer the flavors effectively.
  • Fold in ricotta carefully to keep creamy pockets intact in the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: ricotta spinach beef pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef pasta, spinach pasta, easy pasta recipe

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