Hey there, pasta lovers!I’m so excited to share one of my go-to weeknight dinners: Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli. This dish is the definition of comfort food, but it’s also packed with nutrients thanks to the broccoli. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – everything I need after a long day.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Creamy: The ricotta cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce without being too heavy.
- Nutritious: Roasting the broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and preserves its nutrients.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste and dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 people
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound pasta (I love using penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup pasta water, plus more as needed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- Cook the Pasta: While the broccoli is roasting, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and roasted broccoli to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would be delicious additions.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Because, why not?
Tips for Customization: Make It Your Own!
- Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Add Greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or arugula for added nutrients and flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the dish.
- Different Cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegan ricotta and Parmesan cheese alternatives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70g
- Fat: 15-20g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta separately, then combine. The broccoli is best when freshly roasted.
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, but fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting.
- What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
- You can substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
