Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe: Simple Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty lemon ricotta pasta with spinach delivers pure culinary magic.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a creamy, vibrant symphony of flavors.

Silky ricotta melts into golden pasta, creating a luxurious texture that beckons you to the table.

Bright lemon zest cuts through the richness, while tender spinach adds a nutritious green note.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top provides a salty, umami finish that makes every bite irresistible.

Quick to assemble and deeply satisfying, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal.

One forkful will convince you that weeknight cooking can be both effortless and extraordinary.

Ingredients for a Lemony Ricotta Pasta Dish

• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape for maximum flavor absorption and delightful texture.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds silky smoothness and enhances overall taste experience.

• Ricotta, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce with rich, tangy undertones.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and subtle warmth to the creamy mixture.

• Baby Spinach: Brings vibrant green color, nutritious boost, and delicate earthy flavor.
• Lemon: Offers zesty brightness, cuts through richness, and elevates entire dish's complexity.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional garnish for extra citrusy punch and visual appeal.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying all ingredient flavors.

Tools That Help Cook Pasta and Spinach Fast

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and cooking spinach.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing ricotta sauce ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and spinach.
• Grater: Used for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for measuring pasta cooking water.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting lemon wedges.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring pasta and sauce.

Directions for Tossing Ricotta Pasta the Way

• Pasta Preparation

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a boil and cook pasta until it reaches a tender but firm texture.

• Creamy Sauce Blend

Mix ricotta cheese with zesty lemon notes, fragrant garlic, and grated Parmesan in a bowl. Incorporate olive oil and season with salt and pepper for a vibrant flavor profile.

• Leafy Green Integration

During the final cooking minute, introduce fresh spinach leaves into the pasta water. Gently swirl to ensure even wilting and absorption.

• Sauce and Pasta Fusion

Drain the pasta and spinach, then return to the pot. Pour the creamy ricotta mixture over the pasta, using reserved cooking liquid to create a silky, smooth coating. Stir carefully to distribute the sauce evenly.

• Elegant Presentation

Transfer to serving plates. Enhance with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan, a delicate drizzle of olive oil, and optional lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Adjust the Flavors with Herbs or Peppers

• Creamy Cheese Swap: Substitute ricotta with creamy goat cheese or soft mascarpone for a different rich flavor profile that still maintains the luxurious texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop fresh basil, parsley, or chives and sprinkle generously over the pasta just before serving to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the lemony sauce.
• Protein Power-Up: Toss in grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this light pasta into a more substantial meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Veggie Variety: Replace spinach with other quick-cooking greens like arugula, Swiss chard, or baby kale to introduce new flavor dimensions and nutritional variety to the dish.

Serve Pasta That’s Creamy and Bright

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the lemon and ricotta flavors perfectly.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the light, zesty notes of the pasta and cut through the creamy ricotta.
• Side Salad Companion: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and add a peppery, fresh element to the meal.
• Protein Boost Option: Top with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta for those wanting extra protein and a more substantial dinner experience.

Pasta Storage Tips for Smooth Reheating

• Smart Meal Planning Strategies
• Prep Ahead Magic: Chop garlic and zest lemons up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them in sealed containers to streamline your cooking process and save precious time during meal preparation.
• Refrigerator Storage Solutions: Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container for 2-3 days, understanding that the sauce might slightly thicken. Gently reheat with a splash of water to restore creamy consistency.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Store ricotta in the coldest part of the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days of opening. Always check for any unusual smell or discoloration before using.
• Freezing Wisdom: While not ideal for this specific recipe due to ricotta's delicate texture, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month, though sauce separation might occur upon thawing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy lemon ricotta pasta with spinach delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired meal that combines fresh ingredients. Home cooks can quickly prepare this light, elegant dish with simple pantry staples for a satisfying dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ pound (8 oz/220 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1 cup (9 oz/250 g) whole-milk ricotta
• 8 oz (230 g) fresh baby spinach, washed
• ⅓ cup (35 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 lemon wedges, to serve

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, maintaining a slight bite at the center.
2. Prepare Ricotta Sauce: Whisk ricotta with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper, blending until smooth and creamy.
3. Cook Spinach and Prepare Pasta: In the final moments of pasta cooking, add spinach to the boiling water, allowing it to wilt for about one minute. Reserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta and spinach in a colander.
4. Combine and Coat: Return pasta and spinach to the warm pot. Pour ricotta sauce over the pasta, using reserved cooking liquid to create a glossy, even coating. Toss thoroughly to ensure each pasta strand is completely dressed.
5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta with elegant swirls, topped with additional Parmesan shavings, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and optional lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Water: Starchy liquid acts as a magical sauce binder, helping ricotta coat pasta smoothly and creating silky texture.
• Spinach Timing Matters: Briefly wilt spinach during last minute of pasta cooking to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Season Generously: Salt pasta water substantially to enhance overall dish flavor and ensure pasta tastes delicious from inside out.
• Quick Tossing Technique: Mix ricotta sauce immediately after draining pasta while pot remains warm to help sauce adhere perfectly and create creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg