Recipe Title: Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Ricotta and Spinach
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
If you are looking for a simple yet delicious vegetarian pasta dish, this Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Ricotta and Spinach is a perfect choice. The creamy ricotta and spinach sauce paired with the hearty whole wheat spaghetti makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal. The subtle warmth of nutmeg and the richness of Grana Padano elevate the flavors, making this recipe ideal for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Let’s dive into this comforting, easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Spaghetti | 320g |
| Fresh Spinach | 400g |
| Ricotta (cow’s milk) | 300g |
| Grana Padano DOP | 100g |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1 pinch |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti and Spinach
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you can begin preparing the spinach.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach
Rinse the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, keeping it whole, and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the garlic is ready, add the spinach to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts down but still retains its vibrant green color. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove the garlic clove and discard it, as it has already imparted its flavor to the oil.
Step 3: Make the Spinach Puree
Once the spinach has softened, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy spinach puree. If you find the puree too thick, you can add a small splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Spinach and Ricotta Sauce
Return the spinach puree to the skillet and place it over low heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing it thoroughly to combine with the spinach. If needed, add a bit of pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, you can add the freshly grated Grana Padano cheese and continue stirring until it melts into the sauce.
Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. The nutmeg will add a subtle warmth to the sauce, complementing the rich ricotta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the spaghetti is cooked to al dente perfection, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy spinach and ricotta sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that it’s well-coated. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti and achieve a silky texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve the Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Ricotta and Spinach immediately. Garnish with additional grated Grana Padano and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a light white wine, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Pro Tips:
- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer a lighter version of the dish, you can substitute ricotta with low-fat ricotta or a plant-based ricotta alternative.
- Whole wheat spaghetti adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish, but you can use regular spaghetti if preferred.
This wholesome and satisfying dish brings together the creamy texture of ricotta and the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped around nutritious whole wheat spaghetti. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a vegetarian pasta dish with a bit of extra heartiness and flavor. Enjoy!
