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Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight

Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight
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Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a light and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy ricotta sauce, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a simple yet elegant dinner.

 

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

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.

 

2. **Sauté the Spinach:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

 

3. **Wilt the Spinach:** Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 

4. **Combine Ricotta and Lemon:** In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

 

5. **Toss the Pasta:** Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the spinach. Stir in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

 

6. **Finish and Serve:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until well combined. Serve the pasta topped with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!

 

Notes

– **Pasta Choices:** Feel free to use any pasta you prefer—spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work well with this dish.

– **Vegan Option:** To make this dish vegan, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

– **Creamier Texture:** For an even creamier texture, you can add a little heavy cream or half-and-half to the ricotta mixture.

– **Flavor Boost:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some freshly cracked black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.

 

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.cookflash.com/lemon-ricotta-spinach-pasta-a-bright-and-creamy-delight/