Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our Skillet Ricotta Pasta featuring golden roasted broccoli. This dish is a symphony of flavors, combining the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the nuttiness of roasted broccoli, all enveloped in a silky, garlicky sauce. Elevate your pasta experience with this quick and delightful recipe that promises to captivate your taste buds.
In our kitchen, the Skillet Ricotta Pasta has become a weeknight hero, bringing joy with its rich and comforting aroma. As the broccoli roasts to a perfect golden hue, the anticipation builds. The nonstick skillet sizzles with minced garlic, creating a fragrant base for the creamy ricotta sauce. With each toss of pasta and the addition of roasted broccoli, the kitchen transforms into a haven of irresistible flavors. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simplicity and sophistication that the whole family adores.
Why This Skillet Ricotta Pasta:
Unveiling the Secrets of Creamy Elegance
- Silky Ricotta Sauce: Immerse your pasta in a luscious ricotta sauce, harmonized with garlic, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water for a creamy, velvety texture.
- Golden Roasted Broccoli: Elevate your dish with perfectly roasted broccoli, offering a delightful crunch and a hint of charred goodness.
- Quick and Effortless: With a nonstick skillet and a sheet pan, this recipe comes together in a breeze, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking by incorporating more reserved pasta water, ensuring the perfect balance for your palate.
Ingredients:
For the Skillet Ricotta Pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or any preferred noodle)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for topping
- Parmesan cheese, optional, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until golden and slightly charred.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water; reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, sauté minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in ricotta cheese. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Add cooked pasta, toss to coat in the ricotta mixture. Add roasted broccoli.
- Top with crushed red pepper flakes and serve. Sprinkle with optional parmesan.
Notes: Experiment with different pasta shapes or add a splash of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. For a burst of freshness, squeeze additional lemon juice before serving. Feel free to customize by tossing in your favorite herbs or a handful of baby spinach for added greens. Enjoy the luxurious simplicity of this delightful skillet pasta!
