Bright Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Crafting a delightful lemon ricotta spinach pasta promises a culinary adventure that will spark your taste buds.

Soft ricotta blends seamlessly with bright citrus notes and tender green leaves.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each perfectly twirled forkful.

Creamy textures complement zesty undertones, creating a balanced meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant dish with simple ingredients.

Fresh spinach adds vibrant nutrition while ricotta contributes luxurious smoothness.

Whip up this recipe and experience a quick, delectable journey through Italian-inspired comfort food.

What Makes Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta So Good

• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for kale or add grilled chicken for extra protein, making this dish adaptable to your taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this delicious meal in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a fast and nutritious dinner solution.
• Bright Flavor Explosion: Zesty lemon and creamy ricotta create a vibrant, tangy sauce that transforms simple pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish packed with fresh, exciting flavors.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with iron-rich spinach and protein from ricotta, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports overall health and satisfies hunger effectively.

Everything You Need for Lemon Spinach Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for this creamy and zesty dish that provides the perfect foundation for the sauce.

• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the pasta.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that brings bright and tangy notes to enhance the overall taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce for the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy ingredient that adds a subtle heat to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil that helps sauté the garlic and provides a silky texture.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid used to adjust the sauce consistency and help ingredients blend smoothly.

Cooking Instructions for Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in your pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Before draining, scoop out a half cup of pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic and Spinach

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until its aroma fills your kitchen. Add chopped spinach and cook until it transforms into a soft, wilted green blanket, which takes roughly 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir these ingredients until they become a harmonious, zesty mixture.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Turn the skillet heat to low.

Slide the drained pasta into the spinach pan. Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss enthusiastically.

Splash in reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, clingy consistency.

Step 5: Create Your Masterpiece

Distribute the pasta into serving bowls.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, crack some fresh black pepper, and finish with a graceful drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this vibrant, creamy dish.

Tips to Make Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Delicious

• Save that starchy liquid when draining pasta – it helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Grate lemon zest directly into the ricotta mixture to boost citrusy flavor and add aromatic depth to the dish.
• Cook spinach just until it wilts to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and lose nutrients.
• Let ricotta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, more blendable consistency in the sauce.
• Toss pasta on low heat to prevent sauce from separating and help ingredients meld together seamlessly.

Tasty Ways to Switch Up This Pasta Dish

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings tangy Mediterranean flavors to the pasta.
• Protein Power: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp into the dish, boosting protein content and creating a more substantial meal with added lean protein.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for extra texture and a subtle nutty undertone that complements the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Herb Garden Remix: Mix in fresh basil, chives, and parsley to elevate the herbal notes and create a vibrant, aromatic pasta experience with bright green color and fresh flavor profile.

What Goes Well With Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Crisp Italian Pinot Grigio complements the light, zesty flavors of lemon ricotta spinach pasta with its refreshing acidity and subtle mineral notes.
• Herbal Beverage Companion: Fresh mint or basil-infused sparkling water cuts through the creamy ricotta and provides a clean, palate-cleansing experience that highlights the dish's brightness.
• Elevate with Protein Pairing: Grilled lemon-herb chicken breast adds lean protein and echoes the pasta's citrusy undertones, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that feels both elegant and comforting.
• Texture-Enhancing Side: Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top introduce a delightful crunch and nutty warmth that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ricotta and tender spinach pasta.

How to Keep Lemon Spinach Pasta Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious! Spinach provides iron and vitamins, ricotta offers protein, and lemon adds vitamin C. The ingredients create a balanced, light meal with good nutritional value.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the skillet. This works great as a quick alternative to fresh spinach.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal. They hold the creamy sauce well and create better texture compared to long, thin noodles like spaghetti.

Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon ricotta spinach pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Rich cheese and zesty citrus create a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pasta water (reserved)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (120 grams) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Carefully extract 1/2 cup cooking liquid before draining pasta, then set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds. Incorporate fresh spinach, stirring until leaves collapse and turn vibrant green, roughly 2-3 minutes.
3. Create a creamy blend by whisking ricotta with grated Parmesan, bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, seasoning with salt, cracked pepper, and subtle red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until ingredients harmonize.
4. Lower skillet temperature and introduce drained pasta. Gently fold ricotta mixture into pasta, ensuring even coating. Incrementally splash reserved pasta water to achieve silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
5. Transfer pasta into serving dishes. Embellish with additional Parmesan, freshly ground pepper, and a delicate olive oil drizzle. Serve immediately while temperature remains optimal.

Notes

• Save the starchy pasta water as it helps create a silky, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Easily substitute spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for a more substantial meal that satisfies different dietary needs.
• Replace ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu to make the recipe vegan-friendly while maintaining a creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 235 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg