Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe: Fresh & Tasty!

Creamy ricotta blends beautifully with bright lemon zest in this quick pasta dish that promises to delight weeknight diners.

Fresh spinach adds vibrant green color and nutritious depth to the plate.

The combination of tangy cheese and citrus creates a light, refreshing meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Each forkful delivers a burst of flavor that dances across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes to craft a restaurant-worthy dinner.

Minimal prep and maximum satisfaction make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks seeking something special.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Serving Suggestions For Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add bright, vibrant color and enhance the lemony flavor with an aromatic touch.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy white fish to transform this vegetarian dish into a hearty, protein-packed meal.
• Crunch Factor: Scatter toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs over the pasta for a delightful textural contrast that complements the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the zesty lemon and rich cheese flavors.

Plan And Store Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or additional olive oil to restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freezing Considerations: While possible, ricotta-based sauces can separate when frozen. If freezing, consume within 1-2 weeks and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating carefully.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Keep leftover fresh spinach and ricotta in separate sealed containers. Check spinach daily and use within 2-3 days for best quality and flavor. Consume ricotta within its printed expiration date for maximum taste and safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides the foundation for this light and zesty dish, choose a shape that captures sauce well like penne or fusilli.
• Olive Oil: Delivers a smooth base for sautéing and adding rich undertones to the recipe.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor profile to the dish.
• Spinach: Brings vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and delicate earthiness to the pasta.
• Lemon: Offers bright, citrusy tang that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire recipe.

• Ricotta: Creates luxurious, silky texture and mild, milky background to the sauce.
• Parmesan: Introduces nutty, salty complexity and helps bind the sauce together.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and slight heat to complement the creamy ingredients.

Tools For Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic and spinach with even heat distribution.
• Large Bowl: Crucial for mixing ricotta, Parmesan, and creating the creamy sauce base.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing lemon zest and chopping garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Required for zesting lemon and mincing garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Helpful for stirring pasta and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring pasta water and ingredients accurately.
• Grater: Needed for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.

Steps To Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with salted water. Let it bubble vigorously, then drop in your pasta. Cook until it’s tender but still has a delightful bite. Save a splash of the starchy water before draining.

• Create Vibrant Spinach Base

Warm some olive oil in a skillet. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for half a minute. Add fresh spinach and watch it transform into a wilted, emerald delight.

• Craft Zesty Ricotta Blend

In a spacious bowl, whisk together creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, bright lemon zest, and a squeeze of tangy lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to spark some magic.

• Marry Flavors Together

Pour steaming pasta into the ricotta mixture. Gently toss until every strand is coated. Fold in the sautéed spinach and splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings lovingly to the noodles.

Smart Tips For Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining – it's liquid gold for creating silky, creamy sauces that perfectly coat your noodles.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh basil or chopped chives to elevate the lemony ricotta base and add extra brightness.
• Protein Power-Up: Easily transform this into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, crispy shrimp, or sautéed white beans for additional protein and substance.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Swap traditional ricotta with cashew ricotta or tofu-based alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the ricotta mixture and chop ingredients in advance, then quickly assemble the dish when you're ready to eat – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts.

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon ricotta pasta with spinach combines zesty citrus and creamy cheese in a quick Mediterranean-inspired dish. Bright flavors and simple ingredients create a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 5 oz (140 g) baby spinach, fresh
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, zest
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ – ½ cup pasta water, reserved
• Red pepper flakes, optional
• Parmesan cheese, extra (for topping), optional

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water bath to a vigorous boil, immerse pasta, and cook to al dente perfection. Carefully reserve 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before draining, ensuring optimal sauce consistency.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence momentarily, then fold in fresh spinach leaves, coaxing them to wilt and transform into a verdant backdrop.
3. Creamy Flavor Fusion: Blend ricotta cheese with Parmesan, zesty lemon zest, and citrus juice in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, creating a luscious, tangy base that promises depth and complexity.
4. Final Symphony: Cascade steaming pasta into the ricotta mixture, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Integrate sautéed spinach and incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce evolves into a velvety, luxurious embrace that lovingly coats each pasta strand with creamy sophistication.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water carefully, as it’s crucial for creating a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly clings to the pasta, helping to thin and emulsify the ricotta mixture.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic flavors without burning, which can turn the garlic bitter and overpower the delicate lemon and ricotta notes.
• Spinach Wilting Technique: Add spinach gradually and cook just until it wilts to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving its fresh nutrients and tender texture.
• Cheese Mixing Pro Tip: Blend ricotta and Parmesan at room temperature for smoother integration, ensuring a creamy and even sauce that coats the pasta evenly without lumps.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg