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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic, releasing its delicate fragrance.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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