Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

If you’re in the mood for a light yet creamy pasta that’s bursting with fresh flavors, look no further than Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta! This dish combines the smooth richness of ricotta with the zingy freshness of lemon and the earthy goodness of spinach. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory—all wrapped up in a comforting bowl of pasta. Trust me, this one’s going to become your new go-to when you need something quick, easy, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Bright and Fresh: The combination of lemon and spinach makes this pasta feel light and refreshing, even though it’s rich in flavor. It’s the perfect dish when you want something that’s not too heavy but still satisfying.

Creamy without the Guilt: Ricotta cheese gives this dish its creamy texture, but it’s not overly rich like some cream-based pasta dishes. It’s creamy in a fresh, light way that keeps the flavors bright and balanced.

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, but it feels fancy!

Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with spinach, this pasta is a great vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s so filling that it’s perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a light salad.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

For the Pasta:

• Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type): The base of the dish—choose any pasta you love!
• Olive oil: For sautéing the spinach and garlic, plus a drizzle to toss the pasta.
• Fresh spinach: Adds that earthy, vibrant green flavor. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, just make sure it’s fresh!

For the Ricotta Sauce:

• Ricotta cheese: The creamy, mild base of the sauce that pairs perfectly with the fresh lemon.
• Lemon zest: Adds that fresh, citrusy brightness that’s essential to this dish.
• Lemon juice: A little tang to balance the richness of the ricotta and add a zesty punch.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic sautéed in olive oil gives this dish that delicious savory flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: For an added layer of umami and richness.
• Salt & pepper: For seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once done, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and tender. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

3. Make the Ricotta Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

4. Toss the Pasta and Sauce Together

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Pour the ricotta sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if necessary.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pasta is well coated with the sauce, serve it in bowls, garnishing with a little extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves or extra lemon zest if you like. Enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 30mg
  Sodium: 450mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
  Protein: 14g
  Vitamin A: 40%
  Vitamin C: 35%
  Calcium: 25%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

With a Side Salad: Pair this dish with a light mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with some warm, buttery garlic bread on the side! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you’d like to add some protein to the dish, grilled chicken or shrimp would go wonderfully with the light and creamy flavors of the pasta.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Ricotta: If you can, use fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor. It makes a big difference in the creaminess of the sauce.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like roasted zucchini, peas, or cherry tomatoes to boost the dish’s nutrition and flavor.

Adjust the Lemon: If you like things extra tangy, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest. It’s easy to customize the level of citrusy flavor to your taste.

Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta cheese and skip the Parmesan on top. It still tastes fantastic and will cut down on some of the calories!

Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For an added nutritional boost, swap regular pasta for whole wheat pasta. It adds a bit of nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A1: Yes! Frozen spinach works well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A2: Yes! You can use a dairy-free ricotta substitute or cashew cream to replace the ricotta, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A3: Absolutely! While spaghetti or penne work great, you can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, farfalle, or even orecchiette would be delicious.

Q4: Can I prepare this in advance?

A4: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the pasta, sauté the spinach and garlic, and make the ricotta sauce. Then, just combine everything and heat it up when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I add protein to this dish?

A6: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms would be great additions. They’ll complement the flavors while adding more substance to the dish.

Q7: Can I use ricotta that’s been sitting in my fridge for a while?

A7: As long as the ricotta is still within its expiration date and hasn’t developed any off smells or mold, it should be fine to use. Always check before using!

Q8: How do I make the sauce creamier?

A8: You can add a bit more ricotta or a splash of cream if you want a richer, creamier sauce. A little pasta water also helps make the sauce smoother.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?

A9: Pasta dishes with ricotta cheese can be tricky to freeze, but you can freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q10: Can I skip the garlic in the recipe?

A10: While garlic adds a lot of flavor to this dish, you can skip it if you prefer. The lemon and ricotta will still provide plenty of delicious flavor on their own.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a light yet indulgent dish that brings the best of fresh, creamy, and zesty flavors all in one bowl. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with some extra protein, this pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness!

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