Lemon Spinach Pasta Recipe
This Lemon Spinach Pasta is a bright, creamy, and satisfying dish featuring rigatoni pasta tossed with fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a refreshing hint of lemon zest. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or a light lunch, combining nutritious greens with indulgent cheese and zesty flavors to create a balanced and flavorful pasta bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni (or other pasta)
Vegetables
- 10 ounces spinach
Dairy & Cheese
- 1½ cups ricotta (or dairy-free ricotta)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated, or dairy-free cheese)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach. Stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add small amounts of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon zest if desired. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan or lemon zest if you like.
Notes
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Use fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavor; bottled lemon zest will not provide the same freshness.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining to help create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Keywords: Lemon Spinach Pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, lemon ricotta pasta
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/lemon-spinach-pasta-recipe/
