If you’re looking for a quick and delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, this Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is your answer. With the creamy texture of ricotta cheese and the refreshing zest of lemon, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional), for garnish
Instructions:
Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Saute Spinach and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Add Ricotta Mixture: Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta and spinach. Toss again until the pasta is evenly coated with the ricotta mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Suggestions: Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and thinly sliced basil leaves on top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and extra flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve this pasta dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. The bread can be used to soak up any leftover sauce, and the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Wine Pairing: For a sophisticated touch, pair this lemony ricotta pasta with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine complements the lemon flavors in the dish.
Individual Servings: Consider serving the pasta in individual bowls or plates for a more elegant presentation, especially if entertaining guests.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta is cooled completely before storing to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the ricotta from separating.
Freezing: While ricotta pasta can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh due to the creamy nature of the sauce. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare components like the ricotta mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time, storing them separately. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh in this recipe. Thaw and drain excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the skillet with the garlic.
Can I use another type of pasta besides spaghetti or penne?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and penne work well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand, such as fusilli, farfalle (bowtie), or linguine.
How can I make this dish more protein-rich?
To boost the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken strips, cooked shrimp, or even cannellini beans to the pasta and spinach mixture before tossing with the ricotta sauce.
What can I do if the ricotta sauce is too thick or thin?
If the ricotta sauce is too thick, gradually add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer over low heat to evaporate excess liquid, or add a bit more ricotta cheese for a thicker texture.
Conclusion:
Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach offers a delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese, zesty lemon, and tender spinach, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also provides flexibility with ingredient substitutions and additions, allowing you to personalize it to your taste.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bright and creamy flavors of Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach, a quick and delightful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This pasta combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the refreshing tang of lemon zest, complemented by sautéed spinach for a wholesome meal that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
1 cup ricotta cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
- Saute Spinach and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss gently to combine.
- Add Ricotta Mixture: Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta and spinach. Toss again until the pasta is evenly coated with the ricotta mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, add a bit more ricotta cheese or pasta cooking water as needed.
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian
- Method: Saute, Toss
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
