Mac and Cheese With Ricotta

This Spinach Ricotta Mac & Cheese recipe is creamy, delicious, and completely life-changing! With over 70 5-star reviews, this is the type of comforting dinner you want to make over and over again. And as a busy mom of 3, I love that it comes together easily on the stovetop in just 30 minutes! My family asks me to make this Spinach Ricotta Pasta all of the time because it’s SO good.

This easy recipe has become one of my top favorite dinners over the past few years! Especially when the weather is cooler and I’m craving a cozy, warm, comforting pasta dish. It’s casual enough for everyday dinners, but fancy enough for get togethers. And SUPER easy to make!

Made with wholesome spinach, creamy ricotta, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, and large elbows, this is a pasta recipe that my kids always get excited about. Every bite is flavorful, full of creamy cheesy goodness, and next-level good!

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Spinach Ricotta Pasta Ingredients

I love how the ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy to find. Here are a few notes about what you’ll need for this delicious ricotta mac & cheese as well as how to make substitutions as necessary!

Large Elbows Pasta – I used large elbows in this recipe, but the regular elbows size works great, too!

Spinach – Wholesome spinach adds nutrition and flavor. It’s so good! If you don’t like the texture of spinach, feel free to chop it up before adding it to the recipe.

Ricotta – Creamy ricotta takes this mac & cheese up a notch!

Onion/Garlic – I used freshly chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, but feel free to use onion powder and garlic powder if necessary (about 1-2 teaspoons of each).

Broth – Chicken or vegetable broth both work great in this recipe!

Milk – Whole, regular, or even unsweetened almond milk are all great options.

Whole Wheat Flour – This helps to thicken the sauce. All-purpose flour works great, too!

Shredded Cheese – The shredded cheese in this recipe is a combination of both mozzarella and cheddar.

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How to Make Pasta With Ricotta and Spinach

Making Spinach Ricotta Mac & Cheese is actually incredibly easy! Here’s how to make it in 30 minutes or less:

1. Cook the pasta according to directions.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil in an oven-safe sauce pan or skillet. (opens in a new tab)
3. Add in the milk, broth, and flour, whisking until it thickens and reduces.
4. Mix in the ricotta and shredded cheese until melted.
5. Add the pasta and spinach.
6. Top with crumbled crackers and parmesan (optional), then bake for a few minutes in the oven!

Take It Up A Notch

Want to really take things to the next level? Add grated parmesan and crumbled whole wheat crackers over the top of this mac & cheese. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes. SO GOOD and definitely worth it!

Spinach Ricotta Pasta Variations

This easy Spinach Ricotta Mac & Cheese is already loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness, but there are so many fun ways to make it your own! Whether you’re looking to switch things up or tailor it to what’s in your fridge, here are a few simple variations to try:

• Add More Veggies – Toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli for extra color and flavor.
• Make It Spicy – Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to give it a little kick!
• Protein-Packed Version – Stir in cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey for even more protein and a heartier dish.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Pesto Twist – Add a spoonful of basil pesto into the cheese sauce for a fresh, herby layer of flavor. This is SO good!
• Baked & Extra Crispy – Go all in on that topping! Add more crushed crackers or even panko breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly.

Tips for Making Spinach Ricotta Pasta

• It’s best to let the ricotta get to room temperature before adding to the recipe.
• If the ricotta is cold, add a little bit of the warm creamy sauce and mix into the ricotta before adding into the sauce pan.
• Fully remove from heat before adding in the spinach.
• If the cheesy sauce is too thick, add more milk or broth (a Tablespoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add more whole wheat flour until it’s the right consistency!

What to Serve With Ricotta Spinach Pasta

This creamy pasta can totally stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out into a full meal, here are some simple and delicious ideas to serve with it:

• A Light Side Salad – Try it with this Pear & Goat Cheese Salad or Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad!
• Roasted Veggies – Oven-roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts go perfectly with this cozy pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Toasted Sourdough – Because let’s be honest…mopping up that cheesy sauce with a crusty bread is a must!
• Lemon Roasted Chicken – For extra protein, pair with Lemon Pepper Chicken or keep it simple with rotisserie chicken.
• Soup Starter – A small bowl of Homemade TomatoSoup makes a comforting combo.

How to Store Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Once the recipe has cooled, this Spinach Ricotta Mac & Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months!

To reheat, simply place in a microwave safe container and heat up for 2-3 minutes at a time until it’s evenly warm, stirring often. To reheat in the oven, place in an oven safe container and add a little bit of extra milk to the the dish. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often.

More Comforting Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
• 10-Minute Avocado Pasta Sauce
• Chicken Tomato Pesto Burrata Pasta
• Spinach & Mushroom Vegetarian Lasagna
• Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos  @jar.of.lemons! (opens in a new tab)