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Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach Recipe

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach


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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • ¼½ cup pasta water, reserved
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • Parmesan cheese, extra (for topping), optional

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