If there’s one pasta dish that always hits the spot, it’s creamy spinach ricotta pasta. It’s comfort food with a twist—earthy greens meet luxurious ricotta in a sauce that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort. Creamy spinach ricotta pasta is perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours cooking. In this article, we’ll walk through how to make it, what ingredients matter most, and a few simple tips to make it shine. Whether it’s for family dinner or easy entertaining, this dish is always a win—and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
The Story
There’s something about a bowl of creamy spinach ricotta pasta that instantly feels like home. This dish isn’t just easy—it’s a cozy, flavor-packed favorite that’s saved me on countless weeknights. I first started making creamy spinach ricotta pasta when my kids were toddlers and the days felt endless. I needed dinner to be quick but still feel homemade. With a few staple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, this dish became our midweek go-to.
Over time, creamy spinach ricotta pasta became more than just a recipe. It’s one of those dishes that adapts to life—whether it’s a meatless Monday, a lazy Sunday, or a last-minute dinner party. The creamy texture of ricotta melts right into the pasta water, turning into a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Add fresh baby spinach and a touch of nutmeg, and you’ve got something that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.
If you’ve made my vegetarian gluten-free recipes or tried the creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce, you’ll love how this creamy spinach ricotta pasta blends comfort with ease. It’s become a top-requested meal in my house, often served with a crisp salad or something from my easy gluten-free sides collection.
What I love most about creamy spinach ricotta pasta is how little it takes to make it shine. No fancy tricks. Just great ingredients and a smart method. The best part? Even picky eaters will devour a bowl of creamy spinach ricotta pasta without realizing they’re eating a ton of greens.
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta
Fresh and Flavorful Basics
Whole-milk ricotta is the key to that creamy spinach ricotta pasta magic. Baby spinach wilts quickly and blends in easily, while garlic and lemon zest brighten every bite. A little nutmeg enhances the flavor, giving the sauce a warm, comforting finish.
Pantry Staples That Make It Easy
You’ll need pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells work well), olive oil, sea salt, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Parmesan adds sharpness, and a pinch of chili flakes brings heat—optional, but recommended.
Once you make this creamy spinach ricotta pasta once, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner lineup. In the next section, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process so you can make it tonight.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta
Start with the Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. While your pasta cooks, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid helps create the silky texture that defines great creamy spinach ricotta pasta. Choose short pasta like penne or shells so the sauce can cling to every bite.
Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in fresh baby spinach and stir until just wilted. This is where creamy spinach ricotta pasta gets its signature earthy flavor. Add a pinch of salt and a tiny grating of nutmeg to enhance the depth.
Now reduce the heat and stir in the ricotta. Use a wooden spoon to mix it until it becomes smooth and slightly warm. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and stir until you get a creamy sauce that gently coats the spinach. This is the heart of your creamy spinach ricotta pasta.
Combine and Finish with Flavor
Add your cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss until the sauce coats every piece. Add parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and a touch more pasta water if needed. If you like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders here.
For a complete dinner, pair your creamy spinach ricotta pasta with a crisp side like Mediterranean gnocchi or serve it next to sheet pan spinach egg white wraps for a fun twist.
Once you try this method, your creamy spinach ricotta pasta will become a weekly request—easy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
FAQs
Is spinach and ricotta pasta good for you?
Yes! Creamy spinach ricotta pasta is a balanced option, especially when you use whole ingredients. Spinach is packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, while ricotta provides a good source of protein and calcium. If you’re using whole grain pasta or gluten-free options like those featured in our family-friendly gluten-free meals, this dish becomes even more nutritious.
How do you thicken spinach and ricotta filling?
To thicken the sauce in creamy spinach ricotta pasta, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time while cooking the ricotta. For an even creamier result, add a small amount of grated parmesan or a spoonful of cream cheese. The starch in the pasta water binds everything beautifully—just keep the heat low and stir constantly.
Can you add ricotta to a sauce to make it creamy?
Absolutely! Ricotta transforms a simple sauté into a luscious sauce in seconds. In creamy spinach ricotta pasta, the ricotta melts into the spinach and garlic mixture, turning into a smooth, velvety sauce. Add a splash of pasta water to thin it slightly and help it coat every bite of pasta evenly.
What is a pasta filled with ricotta and spinach called?
That’s typically stuffed pasta like ravioli or cannelloni. But creamy spinach ricotta pasta offers all the same delicious flavor without the work of filling individual pieces. It’s faster, easier, and just as satisfying. If you’re looking for a variation, try mixing in cooked ravioli instead of penne for a hybrid dish.
Conclusion
There’s a reason creamy spinach ricotta pasta keeps showing up on dinner tables—it’s that good. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a reliable meatless option, this dish delivers comfort without complexity. You get creamy texture, bright spinach, and a richness that feels like it took hours but really came together in minutes.
If you’re planning meals for the week, creamy spinach ricotta pasta is an ideal option. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. It also pairs easily with lighter sides or proteins, and it’s flexible enough to dress up for guests or dress down for a cozy night in. It’s everything you want in a recipe: fast, satisfying, and full of flavor.
When your fridge is down to staples—some greens, a tub of ricotta, and a box of pasta—this recipe saves the day. It’s an easy win for busy nights or when you’re too tired to think but still want something delicious. You can even batch it up and freeze portions for later.
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Meet Emily Culino
Hi, I’m Emily Culino—chef, mom, and creator of Easy Cooking Us. After years in fine dining and food marketing, I now focus on creating real-life recipes that work for busy home cooks. I believe cooking should be joyful, not stressful, and creamy spinach ricotta pasta is exactly the kind of dish I love to share: simple, flavorful, and totally doable.
Table of Contents
Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta
Equipment
- large pot for boiling pasta
- large skillet for sauce and combining
- wooden spoon
- strainer
- zester or microplane for lemon zest
Ingredients
- 350 g short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 150 g fresh baby spinach
- 250 g whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 60 ml reserved pasta water (approx.)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 50 g grated parmesan cheese
- 1 zest of one lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and a touch of nutmeg.
- Lower heat. Stir in ricotta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix until creamy and heated through.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Add parmesan, lemon zest, and chili flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan and black pepper on top. Enjoy your creamy spinach ricotta pasta!