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Lemon ricotta pasta & spinach

Lemon ricotta pasta & spinach

Lemon ricotta pasta & spinach is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors and creamy textures in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this recipe combines whole-milk ricotta, fresh baby spinach, and zesty lemon for a light yet satisfying meal. The bright taste of lemon zest and juice elevates the creamy sauce, making it a standout dish that will impress family and friends alike. Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or as a side paired with grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy this nourishing pasta dish that’s both delicious and quick!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 lb pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli)
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 unwaxed lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove (grated or pressed)
  • 8 oz fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add spinach to the pasta during the last minute of cooking. Reserve some cooking water before draining.
  4. Combine drained pasta and spinach with the ricotta sauce in the pot. Adjust consistency with reserved water if needed.
  5. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and drizzled olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added creaminess, reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need. Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Experiment with other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for variation.