Get ready to transform your ordinary pizza night into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Spinach Ricotta and Sausage Pizza isn't just another recipe—it's a mouth-watering masterpiece that combines the creamy richness of ricotta, the savory punch of Italian sausage, and the fresh, vibrant touch of spinach. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a pizza enthusiast seeking the next level of flavor, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough to approximately 12-14 inches in diameter. If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Spread the seasoned ricotta evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage evenly over the ricotta layer. Top with chopped fresh spinach.
- Cover the pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
Tips
- For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before transferring the pizza.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients—they make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Don't overload your pizza with toppings; balance is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage or rotisserie chicken can be great protein alternatives.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and turkey sausage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
