Description
This light and zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Featuring creamy ricotta, fresh baby spinach, and bright lemon flavors, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful pasta ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb (8 oz / 220 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli)
Ricotta Sauce
- 1 cup (9 oz / 250 grams) whole-milk ricotta
- 1/3 cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
- 1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 8 oz (230 grams) fresh baby spinach, washed
- 3 lemon wedges, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type.
- Prepare the ricotta sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine ricotta, olive oil, grated Parmesan, grated garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add spinach to pasta: In the last minute of the pasta’s cooking time, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Then add the fresh baby spinach to the pot. Stir to submerge the spinach so it wilts in the hot water for about 1 minute.
- Drain and combine: Drain the pasta and spinach mixture and return them to the same pot. Add the ricotta sauce along with some of the reserved pasta water. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add more reserved water as needed to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta for a creamier sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps create a smooth, silky sauce.
- You can use any shape of pasta you like, but long strands or tubes work best to hold the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavors.
