Quick & Cozy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Creamy lemon ricotta pasta dances with vibrant spinach in this delightful culinary adventure.

Summer memories flood back with each twirling forkful of this bright dish.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each delicate bite, promising pure comfort.

Our simple recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

Fresh ingredients create a symphony of taste that feels both elegant and approachable.

Unexpected combinations make this pasta a true conversation starter at any gathering.

Grab your apron and let the cooking magic begin!

All Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Questions

FAQs for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach:

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are perfect because they capture the creamy sauce and hold the spinach well.

• Can I make this dish without spinach?

Absolutely! You can substitute with kale, arugula, or simply skip the greens if you prefer. The ricotta and lemon sauce will still be delicious.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this is a completely vegetarian dish that’s packed with protein from the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. It’s a great option for meatless meals.

• How can I add more protein to this pasta?

Consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans to boost the protein content while keeping the dish light and fresh.

Why Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Is So Bright And Creamy

• Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Meal: This lemon ricotta pasta comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Minimal Ingredient Simplicity: With just a handful of fresh ingredients like pasta, spinach, ricotta, and lemon, this recipe proves you can create a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated shopping lists or expensive components.
• Boost Nutritional Value Effortlessly: Packed with protein-rich ricotta, nutrient-dense spinach, and bright citrus flavors, this pasta delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet healthy, satisfying both taste buds and nutritional needs.
• Create a Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're cooking for family, hosting a casual dinner party, or preparing a quick lunch, this adaptable pasta works beautifully as a main course or side dish that appeals to different palates.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Pasta: – Pasta: Backbone of the dish, provides hearty base and texture. Short pasta like penne or fusilli works best. Choose high-quality pasta for best results.

• Spinach: Adds fresh green color and nutritious element. Fresh spinach recommended for bright flavor and tender texture.

Cheese Group: – Ricotta, Parmesan: Creamy base for sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor. Fresh ricotta provides smoother consistency. Grated Parmesan brings sharp, salty notes.

• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic base for the dish. Fresh garlic cloves deliver more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Lemon: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness. Fresh lemons give best zest and juice. Organic lemons preferred for stronger flavor.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base and adds subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Standard seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste. Kosher or sea salt provides more complex flavor profile.

How To Cook Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach With Ease

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Base

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in your favorite pasta shape and cook until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. When done, carefully scoop out a small cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic and Greens

• Bright green spinach
• Crisp, whole leaves
• Gently wilting under the heat

Cook until the spinach becomes tender and soft, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Citrus Blend

• Smooth ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Bright lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to tantalize your taste buds.

Step 4: Bring the Dish to Life

Introduce the steaming hot pasta to the creamy ricotta mixture. Gently toss everything together, letting the warmth meld the flavors. Fold in the sautéed spinach and splash in some reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce becomes gloriously creamy and clings to every pasta curve.

Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, zesty pasta creation!

Pro Tips For Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Success

• Maximize Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy liquid gold when draining pasta – it's the secret weapon for creating a silky, creamy sauce that perfectly clings to every noodle.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast garlic briefly in olive oil to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile for the dish.
• Quick Wilting Technique: Add spinach to the hot pan in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which helps maintain a vibrant green color and prevents soggy leaves.
• Zesty Lemon Hack: Grate lemon zest directly into the ricotta mixture to infuse maximum citrusy brightness and enhance the overall freshness of the pasta.
• Customize Protein Power: Easily transform this vegetarian dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and depth of flavor.

How To Store Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Right

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water to restore its creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as ricotta and fresh spinach tend to separate and lose their original smooth consistency when thawed.
• When reheating, stir frequently and add a little extra olive oil or pasta water to keep the sauce silky and appetizing.

Perfect Pairings With Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this light, lemony pasta with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's bright acidity perfectly complements the lemon's tangy notes and cuts through the creamy ricotta.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the pasta. The peppery greens and bright dressing will enhance the dish's fresh, citrusy profile and add a delightful crunch.
• Herb-Infused Bread Buddy: Offer toasted sourdough bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkled with fresh basil or parsley. The herb-loaded bread will soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delicious textural contrast.
• Crisp White Wine Alternative: For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling elderflower mocktail or chilled lemon-mint water. These refreshing drinks will mirror the pasta's bright, zesty character and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Herbal Zinger: Swap spinach with fresh basil and arugula, adding chopped mint for a vibrant, aromatic green boost that brightens the pasta's creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Medley: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, toss in kalamata olives, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Plate: Add grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp to transform the pasta into a hearty main course, increasing protein content and making the dish more filling.
• Roasted Veggie Remix: Substitute spinach with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, which will introduce smoky caramelized notes and extra vegetable nutrition.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon ricotta pasta with spinach delivers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of fresh flavors that dance across classic Italian comfort. Light, zesty notes blend perfectly with rich cheese and tender greens, inviting you to savor each delightful forkful of pure culinary harmony.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh Produce:

• 5 ounces (140 grams) fresh baby spinach (about 5 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ – ½ cup reserved pasta water
• Optional: red pepper flakes
• Optional: extra Parmesan for topping

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, sprinkle generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches perfect al dente texture, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over medium flame. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for mere moments. Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, encouraging them to wilt and soften into a vibrant green landscape.
3. In a generous mixing vessel, harmonize ricotta cheese with finely grated Parmesan, zesty lemon essence, and bright citrus juice. Season the mixture with delicate pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper, creating a luxurious base.
4. Transfer steaming pasta directly into the ricotta blend, gently tumbling the ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating. Incorporate the sautéed spinach and introduce reserved pasta water, incrementally stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious cloak that embraces each pasta strand with creamy elegance.

Notes

• Swap pasta types to make the dish gluten-free by using alternative noodles like chickpea, zucchini, or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu cubes for a heartier meal.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a silky smooth texture that perfectly coats each pasta strand without becoming too runny.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional leafy greens like kale or arugula, which provide extra vitamins and a peppery flavor complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg