Zesty Creamy Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up this creamy lemon ricotta spinach pasta promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Zesty citrus notes mingle with smooth ricotta, creating a symphony of flavors.

Tender spinach leaves add a vibrant green backdrop to the creamy sauce.

Silky noodles catch every droplet of this luxurious mixture, ensuring maximum deliciousness in each forkful.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this quick and elegant meal that comes together faster than you can say “bon appétit”.

Dive into a plate that feels like a warm hug from your favorite trattoria.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients from spinach, provides protein from ricotta, and offers a balanced meal with fresh ingredients and moderate portions.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Lighter pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or penne are perfect because they hold the creamy ricotta sauce well and complement the delicate spinach.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian! It contains no meat and can be easily prepared with plant-based ingredients like vegan ricotta and cheese alternatives.

What Makes Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta So Fresh

• Craft a Quick Culinary Masterpiece: Prepare a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginner chefs looking to impress.
• Celebrate Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: Combine zesty lemon, creamy ricotta, and nutritious spinach for a bright, balanced meal that delights the taste buds.
• Create a Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Adapt this recipe for solo dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings with its simple ingredients and flexible preparation.
• Boost Nutritional Value Effortlessly: Pack a powerful punch of greens, protein, and calcium in one delicious pasta dish that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients for Bright Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, mild cheese that creates a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and helps bind the sauce.

• Spinach, Fresh Basil or Parsley: Green ingredients that provide freshness and nutritional boost to the pasta.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the dish.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that brings zesty tanginess and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of all ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and spinach, adding richness to the dish.
• Pasta Cooking Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.

Steps to Create Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop the pasta into boiling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Grab a spacious skillet and drizzle olive oil across its surface.

Sprinkle in finely chopped garlic and let it dance in the heat for about 30 seconds. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma that signals deliciousness is coming.

Step 3: Transform the Spinach

• Spinach leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently stir the leaves as they soften and shrink, turning a vibrant dark green. This process takes just 2-3 minutes and creates a tender green base for your pasta.

Step 4: Create Creamy Lemon Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

The mixture should look bright and feel luxuriously creamy.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta to the spinach-filled skillet.

Pour in the lemon ricotta mixture, stirring gently. Splash in reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky, clingy sauce that hugs every pasta curve.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Give everything a final loving stir.

Garnish with torn fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Tips for Silky Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Reserve pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to each noodle.
• Choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves for maximum flavor and vibrant green color in your dish.
• Microwave whole lemon for 10 seconds before zesting to release more essential oils and intensify citrus notes.
• Warm ricotta slightly at room temperature to ensure smoother blending and more even distribution through the pasta.
• Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a protein-packed version of this light, refreshing meal.

Ways to Change Up Your Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Vegan Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, use cashew ricotta instead of dairy ricotta, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Pasta Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free quinoa pasta, keeping all other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, replace basil with fresh oregano, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Upgrade: Incorporate grilled diced chicken breast for added protein, use whole wheat pasta for extra nutrients, and include red pepper flakes for mild heat.

What Goes Well With Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the lemon’s bright notes and cuts through the creamy ricotta, creating a refreshing balance.

Serve bruschetta with fresh basil and tomatoes as a starter, which echoes the herbal and tangy elements in the pasta while preparing the palate.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the dish’s zesty profile and provides a peppery, fresh counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

Add a small plate of marinated olives or grilled artichoke hearts, introducing Mediterranean flavors that align beautifully with the pasta’s light, herbaceous character.

Best Way to Store Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warm and creamy.
• Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring continuously for even warming.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky strands of pasta dance with zesty lemon ricotta and verdant spinach in this Mediterranean-inspired delight. Delicate flavors and creamy textures blend seamlessly, promising a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Cheese and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook pasta until tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract and preserve roughly one cup of the starchy cooking liquid.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic, releasing its delicate fragrance.
3. Gently cascade fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to gradually collapse and soften. Rotate occasionally, seasoning with salt and pepper, which should require about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine ricotta in a separate vessel with vibrant lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice. Enhance with subtle salt and pepper nuances, blending until smooth and cohesive.
5. Transfer drained pasta into the spinach-laden skillet. Incorporate the creamy ricotta mixture, integrating incrementally with reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, luxurious texture.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan throughout the dish, stirring meticulously to distribute evenly. Garnish with delicate herb leaves like basil or parsley for a final flourish of freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap pasta types for gluten-free options like chickpea or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version that still delivers a savory, cheesy flavor profile.
• Choose baby spinach for a more delicate texture and milder taste compared to mature spinach leaves.
• Quickly rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, ensuring perfect al dente texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg