Fluffy Ricotta Skillet Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions, and this skillet ricotta pasta with roasted broccoli delivers a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.

Creamy ricotta melts beautifully into golden pasta, creating a luxurious sauce that coats every strand.

roasted broccoli adds a delightful crunch and earthy depth to each forkful.

The combination of tender pasta and caramelized vegetable edges creates a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top provides a salty punch that rounds out the dish perfectly.

Fresh herbs can brighten the entire plate with a burst of green freshness.

This one-pan wonder promises a delicious escape from complicated cooking routines and guarantees a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Ingredients

• Broccoli Florets: Transforms from basic vegetable to golden, caramelized delights with a smoky edge, selecting fresh, tight-headed broccoli ensures perfect roasting results.
• Olive Oil: Helps broccoli crisp beautifully and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances natural broccoli sweetness and adds depth to roasted vegetables.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy foundation creating luxurious, silky sauce, select fresh, full-fat ricotta for maximum richness.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor boost that infuses sauce with warmth, use fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce with tangy freshness, fresh-squeezed provides superior zesty punch.

• Pasta: Carrier of delicious sauce, choose short shapes like penne or rotini for better sauce clinging.
• Pasta Water: Secret weapon for creating smooth, clingy sauce, starchy liquid helps bind ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional finishing touch adding salty, nutty complexity, freshly grated provides best flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces optional spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat preference.

Tools for Making Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting broccoli evenly and creating golden, crispy edges.
• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta and ensuring it's cooked to perfection.
• Nonstick Skillet: Key for creating a creamy ricotta sauce without sticking.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing and chopping garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Required for mincing garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for measuring pasta water and olive oil.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.

How to Cook Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Easily

• Broccoli Preparation

Warm your oven and spread broccoli on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning. Roast until golden edges appear and vegetable looks slightly crispy.

• Pasta Cooking

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water for creating a silky sauce later.

• Sauce Foundation

Heat a skillet with olive oil and gently toast minced garlic until fragrant. Lower the temperature and introduce ricotta cheese, stirring until it transforms into a creamy dream.

• Sauce Development

Splash in fresh lemon juice and reserved pasta water, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce. Adjust consistency as needed with additional water.

• Pasta Assembly

Combine cooked pasta with ricotta sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated. Gently fold in roasted broccoli for a delightful texture contrast.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips to Add Flavor to Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

• Swap ricotta for goat cheese or mascarpone to create a richer, more decadent sauce that adds unexpected depth to the pasta dish.
• Enhance the meal by adding grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to introduce more protein and make the recipe more substantial.
• Replace broccoli with asparagus, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts during different seasons to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to available produce.

How to Serve Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

• Cozy Dinner Date Night: Create a romantic atmosphere with soft candlelight, warm bread, and a crisp white wine that complements the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives on top to add a bright, aromatic layer that elevates the dish's flavor profile and visual appeal.
• Side Salad Pairing: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the rich, creamy pasta and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the roasted broccoli.
• Texture Boost: Add toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top for a delightful crunch that provides an interesting textural element to the smooth ricotta sauce.

Storing Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy ricotta sauce might slightly separate, but a quick stir will restore its smooth texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Roast broccoli and cook pasta ahead of time, storing components separately. When ready to enjoy, reheat pasta in a skillet with a splash of pasta water to revive the creamy consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta without broccoli for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh with extra pasta water when reheating.
• Portion Planning Hack: Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Pack roasted broccoli separately to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Effortless Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Skillet ricotta pasta nestles broccoli in a creamy, herb-infused embrace. Quick Italian-inspired comfort delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (227 g) cavatappi pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ to ¾ cup (120–180 ml) reserved pasta water
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for topping
• Parmesan cheese (optional), for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Roast Broccoli: Arrange oven rack in middle position and preheat to 425°F. Distribute broccoli florets on baking sheet, coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until edges caramelize and develop golden-brown char.
2. Prepare Pasta: Bring salted water to rolling boil in large pot. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving pasta water before draining.
3. Create Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
4. Develop Ricotta Sauce: Reduce heat and integrate ricotta cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture. Incorporate lemon juice and reserved pasta water, whisking until sauce reaches silky consistency.
5. Season and Combine: Adjust sauce seasoning with salt and pepper. Add cooked pasta to skillet, thoroughly coating with ricotta sauce. Gently fold in roasted broccoli florets.
6. Finish and Serve: Transfer pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and optional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and texture.

Notes

• Roast Broccoli Strategically: Caramelize edges by spreading florets in a single layer, allowing even browning and maximum flavor development.
• Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Starchy liquid acts as a magical sauce binder, helping create a silky, perfectly textured ricotta coating.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Gradually add pasta water and adjust heat to achieve a creamy, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to pasta strands.
• Balance Flavors Carefully: Use fresh lemon juice and seasoning to brighten the ricotta sauce, preventing it from becoming too heavy or bland.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg