Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a light and creamy pasta dish that combines zesty lemon, fluffy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a fresh, flavorful weeknight meal with a bright and creamy sauce made from simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Produce
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Other
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the type. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, finely grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended to create a creamy sauce base.
- Wilt the Spinach: Return the drained pasta to the cooking pot over low heat. Add the fresh spinach and stir gently until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the hot pasta and wilted spinach into the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and make it creamy and coating evenly.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture; part-skim ricotta can be used but will result in a less rich sauce.
- Reserve enough pasta water to help emulsify and create a silky pasta sauce.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of finely grated garlic.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture fully.
Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy vegetarian pasta, quick pasta dish
