Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • Salt
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound penne
  • 3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instruction

  • Fill a pot with about 6 quarts of water and bring to a boil.
  • Pour about 1 inch of water in a second pot, one that's large enough to contain the spinach, and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the spinach and cook until quite tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Drain the spinach in a colander, pressing on it with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much water as possible. Transfer the spinach to a cutting board and finely chop it.
  • Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion. Place the butter and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté until the onion turns a rich golden color, about 5 minutes.
  • When the water for the pasta is boiling, add 2 tablespoons salt and the penne and stir well. Cook until al dente.
  • When the onion is ready, add the spinach to the skillet and sauté, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Add the ricotta, cream, and nutmeg, and cook, stirring, until the ricotta is heated through and the cream has reduced considerably, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and season accordingly with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.
  • When the penne is done, drain it well, toss it with the spinach and ricotta sauce and the Parmigiano-Reggiano, and serve at once.