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lemon-ricotta-pasta-with-spinach

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach: A Quick Creamy Weeknight Favorite

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy, fresh, and bright—this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a quick dinner that feels gourmet. It blends zesty lemon with creamy ricotta and wilted spinach into a light yet satisfying dish, perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Return drained pasta to the pot. Add spinach and stir until wilted.

4. Add the hot pasta and spinach to the ricotta mixture. Toss together, adding pasta water gradually until creamy.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.


Notes

Use whole milk ricotta for best flavor and creaminess.

Don’t overcook the spinach—let it just wilt in the heat of the pasta.

Add extra lemon zest on top for more brightness when serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg