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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach: A Creamy Delight in 15 Minutes

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is a quick, creamy dish that's flavorful and satisfying, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta Any variety, spaghetti or penne is preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Whole-milk ricotta Feel free to use part-skim for a lighter dish.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Consider adding extra for garnishing.
  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil Drizzle more over the finished dish for extra deliciousness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, or use garlic powder if needed.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to personal taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Adjust according to personal taste.
For the Vegetables
  • 4 cups Fresh baby spinach Kale or arugula can be substituted.
For the Flavor
  • 1 medium Lemon Zest and juice; using an unwaxed lemon maximizes flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, combine whole-milk ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. In the final minute of cooking the pasta, add the fresh baby spinach right into the pot with the pasta. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Once the pasta and spinach are cooked, drain them using a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Return the drained pasta and spinach to the pot.
  5. Immediately stir in the ricotta mixture, adjusting the consistency with some reserved pasta water until the sauce is creamy and fully coats the pasta. Mix well over low heat for about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Spoon the lemon ricotta pasta & spinach into serving bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect creamy sauce. Always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest; it enhances the brightness significantly.

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