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
