When it comes to combining delicious flavor with a boost of protein, this Mushroom and Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a game-changer. It blends the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with savory sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and whole wheat pasta to create a wholesome meal that’s not only satisfying but also high in protein.
Perfect for vegetarians, this dish is light yet filling, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Thanks to ricotta and parmesan cheese, this dish is loaded with protein, helping to keep you full and energized.
- Full of Flavor: Earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and tangy lemon zest balance the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this meal on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit different dietary needs or use up whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Now, let’s get cooking!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen:
- Whole Wheat Pasta (300g): Whole wheat pasta not only adds fiber but also boosts the protein content of the dish. Choose your favorite shape, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Button Mushrooms (200g): These mushrooms are the star of the dish. Sliced and sautéed, they bring an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creamy ricotta.
- Fresh Spinach (150g): Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, spinach adds a fresh, vibrant element to the dish.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Ricotta is soft, creamy, and high in protein. It forms the base of the sauce, giving the pasta a velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste and melts beautifully into the sauce. It’s another great source of protein and flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic brings a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the mushrooms and garlic, olive oil adds richness to the dish.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): A hint of zest brightens up the creamy sauce and balances out the richness of the cheese.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste): For those who love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
This usually takes about 8–10 minutes for whole wheat varieties. Once the pasta reaches an al dente texture, drain it, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for the sauce. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced button mushrooms. Stir occasionally, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and brown nicely. This should take about 5–7 minutes. The mushrooms should turn golden brown, giving off a rich, earthy aroma.
3. Add the Garlic
Once the mushrooms have browned, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the dish bitter.
4. Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir the spinach into the mushrooms and garlic, allowing it to wilt down. This step only takes a minute or two. The spinach will shrink considerably, adding a burst of color and nutrients to the dish.
5. Create the Ricotta Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the grated parmesan. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to enhance the flavor. If you like a creamier sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water will help the sauce cling to the noodles without being too heavy.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Pour the ricotta and parmesan mixture over the pasta, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce is silky and smooth.
7. Add Lemon Zest and Crushed Red Pepper
Finally, sprinkle the lemon zest over the pasta for a pop of brightness. If you like a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to taste. The red pepper not only gives a nice contrast to the creaminess but also enhances the earthy flavors of the mushrooms.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Mushroom and Ricotta Spinach Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if you’d like. This dish is best enjoyed warm, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mushroom and Ricotta Spinach Pasta
- Choose the Right Pasta: While whole wheat pasta is ideal for boosting protein, you can also opt for chickpea or lentil pasta if you want even more protein.
- Experiment with Mushrooms: Feel free to swap out button mushrooms for cremini or portobello mushrooms. They all work beautifully in this dish, adding slightly different textures and flavors.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the whole wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free meal.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. There are several dairy-free options that will still provide creaminess and protein.
- Add Extra Protein: You can boost the protein content further by adding in some roasted chickpeas or toasted sunflower seeds. These additions will provide both crunch and nutrition.
Why This Dish is Perfect for a Protein-Packed Meal
If you’re looking for a high-protein vegetarian recipe, this Mushroom and Ricotta Spinach Pasta is an excellent choice. Ricotta cheese, often overlooked for its protein benefits, provides around 14 grams of protein per cup. Paired with whole wheat pasta and spinach, this meal offers a good balance of macronutrients, keeping you satisfied and nourished.
Furthermore, the addition of mushrooms not only enhances the flavor but also adds a dose of antioxidants, making this dish as healthy as it is tasty. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins and have immune-boosting properties, making them a great addition to any meal.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom and Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a simple yet luxurious dish that combines wholesome ingredients with unbeatable flavors. The creamy ricotta sauce, meaty mushrooms, and fresh spinach come together to create a balanced, protein-rich meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is a surefire hit!
