Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach: A 30-Minute Delight
Craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish without the fuss? This lemon ricotta spinach pasta recipe delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor in just 30 minutes. Creamy ricotta cheese, zesty lemon, and earthy spinach come together in perfect harmony, coating your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner solution that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Why you’ll love this Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta
This pasta dish is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of lemon, ricotta, and spinach is simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite pasta shape and protein additions.
- Healthy: Packed with fresh spinach and calcium-rich ricotta cheese.
- Comforting: A satisfying and delicious meal that will leave you feeling happy and full.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some helpful substitution tips:
- Pasta: The recipe calls for penne or rigatoni, but feel free to use your favorite shape. Rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for that aromatic flavor base.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is recommended, but you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
- Ricotta Cheese: For the richest flavor, opt for whole milk ricotta cheese. Part-skim ricotta can also be used but will result in a slightly less creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest are crucial for that bright, citrusy flavor. Don’t skimp on these!
- Salt, Pepper, & Red Pepper Flakes: Season to taste. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but they’re optional.
How to make Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the ricotta mixture to the skillet with the spinach. Stir in a little pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips for the perfect lemon ricotta spinach pasta recipe:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is essential for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and coat the pasta evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add more lemon juice, salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage for extra protein.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- For a delightful appetizer, consider serving a similar flavor profile with spinach artichoke dip before the main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The pasta is best served immediately, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- What can I serve with this dish? This pairs well with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. For another great recipe that utilizes a complementary flavor profile, check out this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
This lemon ricotta spinach pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its bright flavors, creamy texture, and quick preparation time, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach: A 30-Minute Delight
Indulge in a bowl of creamy, vibrant goodness with this easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta featuring fresh spinach. This recipe combines the tang of lemon, the richness of ricotta cheese, and the earthy notes of spinach for a quick and satisfying meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend lunch. The light yet flavorful sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. This pasta dish is a delightful way to incorporate fresh greens into your diet while enjoying a comforting and delicious meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 lemon, zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the ricotta mixture to the skillet with the spinach. Stir in a little pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg