Name: Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine); – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 6 cups fresh spinach; – 1 cup ricotta cheese; – Zest of 1 lemon; – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; – Salt and pepper to taste; – ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; – Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Looking for a dish that’s both fresh and indulgent? This Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is your answer. Imagine a creamy ricotta sauce with a zesty hit of lemon, all wrapped around tender pasta and bright, sautéed spinach. It’s the perfect balance of rich and refreshing, and every bite feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort pasta!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a casual dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is so versatile and easy to love. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can switch up the pasta to whatever you have on hand—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Plus, the sauce can be lightened up with Greek yogurt instead of ricotta if you’re craving a healthier version.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like pasta, ricotta, and spinach, this dish won’t break the bank, but it still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.

Quick and Easy: This is one of those dishes that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious and comforting.

Customizable: Add some garlic, roasted chicken, or even toasted pine nuts to really take this recipe to the next level. It’s easy to adapt to whatever your taste buds are craving!

Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, this pasta is always a hit. The creamy sauce and fresh spinach make it feel fancy, but it’s so simple that everyone will ask for seconds.

Ingredients in Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Here’s the magic of this pasta: just a handful of ingredients come together to make something truly extraordinary. Let’s break it down:

Pasta: The perfect base for any good pasta dish. Choose your favorite—spaghetti, rigatoni, or even fettuccine will work wonders with this creamy sauce.

Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, smooth cheese is the heart of the sauce, giving it that perfect richness and creaminess.

Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the warm pasta, adding color, flavor, and some healthy greens to the dish.

Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon brighten up the whole dish, cutting through the richness and giving it a fresh, zesty finish.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds that salty, nutty touch that takes the flavor to the next level.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water for later—this will help loosen the sauce and make it silky.

Sauté the Spinach: While the pasta is cooking, heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Make the Lemon Ricotta Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the zest and juice of a lemon, and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce, depending on your desired consistency.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the spinach. Pour the ricotta sauce over the top and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to make it extra silky.

Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. This is your moment to make it just right!

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta warm, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a little extra lemon zest for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus will complement the flavors and add some extra texture.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the ricotta for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture with fewer calories.
Add Protein: You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to make this a heartier meal.
Leftovers: This pasta makes great leftovers! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dish.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Yes! You can use mascarpone cheese for a richer taste or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and spinach ahead of time, but I recommend adding the ricotta sauce just before serving to keep the texture smooth.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes for Parmesan. They’ll give a similar salty, nutty flavor.
Can I use another citrus besides lemon?
Yes! Lime or orange would work well in this recipe, giving it a different but still fresh citrus twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra pasta water to keep it creamy.
Can I add garlic to the sauce?
Absolutely! Sautéing a couple of minced garlic cloves in olive oil before adding the spinach will add a nice depth of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The pasta isn’t gluten-free, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze the pasta?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.
What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers would be excellent additions to this pasta for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is one of those recipes that feels light yet comforting, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Serve it to your loved ones or keep it all to yourself—either way, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy every bite!