Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a quick and creamy pasta dish combining the zesty brightness of lemon, the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for a light dinner or a satisfying lunch, making use of pantry staples with a fresh leafy green twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese with the lemon zest, lemon juice, finely grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Wilt Spinach: Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the fresh spinach to the hot pasta and stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the hot pasta and wilted spinach to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, gradually adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the pasta warm with an optional drizzle of olive oil or additional lemon zest for extra brightness.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice brightens the creamy ricotta for a balanced tangy flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a silky smooth sauce that clings well to the pasta.
- You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like arugula or kale if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, try substituting ricotta with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Adding a tablespoon of olive oil at the end enhances richness and adds a fruity note.
Keywords: Lemon ricotta pasta, spinach pasta recipe, creamy lemon pasta, vegetarian pasta dish, quick Italian pasta
