Description
This vibrant and creamy pasta dish combines fresh spinach, smooth ricotta, and the zesty kick of lemon, creating a delightful and easy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish is full of flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb (8 oz / 220 grams) pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli…)
- 1 cup (9 oz / 250 grams) whole-milk ricotta
- 8 oz (230 grams) fresh baby spinach, washed
- 1/3 cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
- 3 lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Be sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. - Prepare the Ricotta Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well and taste. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. - Add the Spinach:
When the pasta is nearly done, add the spinach to the pot. Stir gently to submerge the leaves in the boiling water for about 1 minute, until the spinach wilts. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Drain the pasta and spinach, then return them to the pot. Add the ricotta sauce and a little of the reserved pasta cooking water, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Add more pasta water as needed for a creamy, smooth texture. - Serve:
Serve immediately, topping with extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges for added freshness. For a bit of heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Variations: Feel free to use any pasta you prefer—spaghetti, penne, linguine, or fusilli all work well.
- Lemon Zest: Using unwaxed lemons is important to avoid any chemicals in the zest.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the ricotta sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking before mixing with the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 25mg