Name: Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni (or preferred pasta); 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp lemon zest; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup reserved pasta water; Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish, and this Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli is no exception. The combination of tender rigatoni coated in a luscious ricotta sauce, balanced with the crispy, caramelized edges of roasted broccoli, makes this meal both hearty and satisfying. A sprinkle of parmesan and a hint of spice elevate the flavors, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

I love how simple yet indulgent this dish is—it feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly in one skillet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, making it a great option for those who want something both delicious and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

Creamy and comforting – The ricotta-based sauce creates a rich and velvety texture without feeling too heavy.
Easy to make – Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavorful and balanced – The roasted broccoli adds a slight char and crunch, perfectly complementing the creamy pasta.
Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more veggies or a protein of your choice.
Great for meal prep – This pasta stores well, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, I recommend using rigatoni, penne, or any other short pasta that holds sauce well. Rigatoni’s ridges trap the creamy ricotta sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful. If you prefer a different texture, fusilli or orecchiette are also great choices since they provide plenty of surface area for the sauce to cling to.

If you want a healthier twist, whole wheat or chickpea pasta work well and add extra fiber and protein. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as alternative pastas may have different textures when cooked.

Options for Substitutions

Cheese Alternatives

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
Use mascarpone for an extra creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
Add cream cheese for a richer, tangier taste.

Vegetable Variations

Instead of broccoli, try roasted cauliflower, zucchini, or asparagus.
Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for extra greens.
Sautéed mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor to complement the creamy sauce.

Protein Add-Ins

Grilled chicken pairs perfectly for extra protein.
Italian sausage (spicy or mild) adds a savory, hearty element.
Shrimp makes a great seafood option, adding a light yet flavorful twist.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Options

Use vegan ricotta (made from blended cashews or tofu).
Swap regular parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
Replace butter with olive oil for a plant-based version.

Ingredients for Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Rigatoni (or preferred pasta) – The ideal shape for holding the creamy ricotta sauce.
Broccoli florets – Roasting brings out a nutty, slightly sweet flavor while adding a crisp texture.
Ricotta cheese – The star of the sauce, making it creamy and rich without being too heavy.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami depth that enhances the ricotta.
Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor and complements the creaminess.
Olive oil – Helps roast the broccoli to golden perfection and adds richness to the sauce.
Butter – A touch of butter enhances the sauce’s smoothness and adds a hint of indulgence.
Lemon zest – Brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the ricotta.
Red pepper flakes – A slight kick of heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Pasta water – Helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

Step 1: Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. This step adds a deep, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni (or your chosen pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, which will help create a silky sauce.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the ricotta sauce until well coated. Gently fold in the roasted broccoli, making sure every piece gets coated in the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese, freshly chopped herbs (like parsley or basil), and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavor-packed dish!

How Long to Cook Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

The total cooking time for this dish is about 30 minutes:

Roasting the broccoli takes 15-20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
Cooking the pasta takes about 10-12 minutes, depending on the type.
Making the sauce and combining everything takes about 5 minutes.

By timing everything right, you can have this creamy, delicious pasta ready in no time!

Tips for Perfect Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

Use fresh ricotta – The creamier and fresher the ricotta, the silkier your sauce will be. Avoid overly grainy ricotta for the best texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Cooking it al dente ensures the pasta holds its shape and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
Reserve enough pasta water – This helps loosen the ricotta sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Roast the broccoli until golden brown – The crispy edges add texture and a deeper flavor to balance the creaminess.
Adjust the seasoning – Taste as you go and add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
Add pasta water gradually – Start with a little and add more as needed to avoid a runny sauce.
Serve immediately – The ricotta sauce thickens as it sits, so enjoy it fresh for the best texture.

With these simple tricks, you’ll get a perfectly balanced and flavorful pasta every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the pasta water – The starchy water is key to creating a smooth, cohesive sauce. Without it, the ricotta mixture may feel too thick or dry.
Overcooking the pasta – Since the pasta continues to cook slightly in the sauce, make sure to cook it al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
Not roasting the broccoli properly – If the broccoli is overcrowded on the baking sheet, it will steam instead of roasting. Spread it out in a single layer for crispy, caramelized edges.
Adding ricotta to high heat – Ricotta can become grainy if exposed to too much heat. Keep the temperature low when mixing the sauce.
Forgetting to season the sauce – Ricotta is mild, so don’t forget salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to bring out its flavor.
Using low-quality ricotta – Fresh, high-quality ricotta makes a big difference in creaminess and taste.
Not balancing the flavors – The lemon zest, parmesan, and red pepper flakes all help cut through the richness—don’t skip them!
Waiting too long to serve – The sauce thickens quickly, so serve immediately for the best consistency.

What to Serve With Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up the extra creamy sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Bursting with sweetness, roasted cherry tomatoes add a juicy contrast to the creamy dish.

4. Grilled Chicken

For extra protein, serve the pasta with grilled chicken breast or thighs seasoned with Italian herbs.

5. Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms add depth of flavor and pair beautifully with the ricotta sauce.

6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Salty prosciutto and roasted asparagus bring a fancy touch and an extra layer of flavor.

7. White Wine

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy and citrusy notes in the dish.

8. Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The tangy balsamic glaze balances the richness of the pasta while adding a bit of crunch.

With these pairings, you can turn this dish into a well-rounded meal for any occasion!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store any leftover Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up.

Reheating

Stovetop: Warm the pasta over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a bit of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a small splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezing? Not Recommended

Since ricotta-based sauces don’t freeze well, this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days. Freezing may cause the sauce to become grainy and lose its creamy texture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450-500 kcal
Protein: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~5g
Calcium: ~20% DV

These values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. If you add extra protein like chicken or sausage, the calorie and protein count will increase accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately, then reheat with a bit of pasta water to maintain the creamy texture.

2. How do I prevent the ricotta sauce from becoming grainy?

Keep the heat low when mixing in the ricotta, and add pasta water gradually to create a smooth sauce. Avoid boiling the ricotta, as high heat can cause it to curdle.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Just roast the frozen broccoli at 425°F (220°C) for an extra 5-7 minutes to ensure it gets crispy. You can also sauté it in a pan.

4. What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese, mascarpone, or cream cheese are good alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try cashew or tofu-based ricotta.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but be mindful of the cooking time since some gluten-free varieties can become mushy if overcooked.

6. How do I add more protein to this dish?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. You can also mix in white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

7. What other veggies can I use?

Roasted cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms all work well. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end.

8. Can I serve this pasta cold?

While this dish is best served warm, you can turn leftovers into a cold pasta salad by adding a bit of lemon juice and olive oil before serving.

Conclusion

Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli is the ultimate creamy, comforting meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends!