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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

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A quick and easy pasta dish combining creamy ricotta, fresh lemon zest, and wilted spinach for a light yet indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese (whole milk, small-curd preferred)
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces (170 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 2 cups chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, zest of 1 lemon, juice of half the lemon (about 1 tablespoon), and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if mixture is too thick.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Pour ricotta mixture over the pasta. Toss gently using tongs or a wooden spoon to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Notes

Keep the heat low when mixing ricotta to avoid curdling. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and achieve a silky texture. Do not overcook spinach to maintain vibrant color and texture. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute ricotta with plant-based alternatives or silken tofu. Gluten-free pasta can be used as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, weeknight meal

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