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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach: A Bright 15-Minute Delight

Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish that brightens any meal with its creamy texture and zesty flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Any shape such as linguine, penne, or fusilli.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Whole-milk recommended for best texture.
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with pecorino or nutritional yeast for vegan.
  • 1 piece Lemon Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon.
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended.
  • 1 clove Garlic Grated or pressed.
  • Salt and Black Pepper To taste.
For the Greens
  • 8 oz Fresh Baby Spinach Can be swapped with kale or arugula.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, then add 1/2 lb of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it in a colander.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 grated garlic clove, the zest of 1 unwaxed lemon, and the juice of that lemon in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper.
  3. In the last minute of cooking, add 8 oz of fresh baby spinach into the boiling pasta water to wilt.
  4. Drain the pasta and spinach mixture, return it to the pot over low heat, and add the prepared ricotta sauce. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until creamy.
  5. Serve generous portions with extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Can freeze for up to 1 month.

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