Northern Italian > Lombard > Maccagnoes

Maccagno with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Maccagno pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking spinach and ricotta mixture

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Maccagno pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked Maccagno pasta to the skillet and toss with the spinach and ricotta mixture until well combined.
7. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Maccagno pasta can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet for a protein boost.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use different types of pasta for a different texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Don't overcook the pasta as it will become mushy.
- Reserve some of the pasta water to add to the skillet if the mixture is too dry.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add some reserved pasta water to the skillet.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and spinach thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Maccagno pasta is a type of Italian pasta that originated in the Lombardy region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Creamy, Tangy, Herbaceous, Nutty