The Zesty Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a zesty lemon ricotta spinach pasta brings instant delight to any weeknight dinner table.

Creamy cheese mingles with bright citrus notes, creating a symphony of flavors.

spinach adds vibrant green color and nutritional punch to this simple dish.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a quick, satisfying meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Soft ricotta melts into silky strands of pasta, while lemon zest provides a surprising kick.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe in just minutes.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this Mediterranean-inspired comfort classic.

Why Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Is Delightful

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with spinach and protein-rich ricotta, this pasta delivers a powerful healthy punch that helps fuel your body with essential nutrients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this versatile dish according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated cooking techniques.
• Bright Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy lemon, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach creates a vibrant, zesty meal that awakens your taste buds with every single bite.

Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for this creamy dish.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a luxurious sauce texture.
• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds tangy freshness to the pasta.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and subtle heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and create a silky base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a rich, savory finish to the dish.

How to Cook Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until tender. Save a splash of starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sizzle minced garlic until it releases its aromatic magic, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Toss chopped spinach into the skillet, stirring gently until leaves soften and collapse, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Lemon Ricotta Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Spinach

Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet with spinach and garlic.

Stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Marry Creamy Sauce

Pour ricotta mixture over pasta, adding reserved pasta water.

Mix thoroughly until sauce becomes silky and coats every noodle.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Remove skillet from heat.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to distribute evenly.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Serve immediately.

Top with extra Parmesan and lemon zest for a burst of brightness.

Pro Tips for Spinach Pasta Perfection

• Save that starchy liquid to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps ingredients cling perfectly to your pasta.
• Sauté spinach briefly to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which preserves nutrients and texture.
• Add extra lemon zest just before serving to brighten the dish with fresh, citrusy notes that wake up the entire recipe.
• Whisk ricotta thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a consistently smooth, velvety sauce that coats every pasta strand.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for an added layer of aromatic freshness and visual appeal.

Flavor Twists for Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Vegan Spinach Pasta: Replace ricotta with tofu or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and swap olive oil for vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use chickpea or zucchini noodles as pasta alternative, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Add fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance the flavor profile, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans to increase protein content while maintaining the light, fresh essence of the original recipe.

Best Pairings with Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright lemon and creamy ricotta notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the pasta’s fresh flavors.

Prepare a crusty baguette toasted with garlic, parsley, and olive oil to provide a crunchy texture contrast and soak up the creamy sauce.

Create a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the pasta’s citrus undertones and add a peppery, refreshing element to the meal.

Add a lean protein option that mirrors the dish’s lemon profile, providing a protein-rich complement to the vegetarian pasta base.

Storing Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Safely

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta's fresh taste and texture intact.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.
• Allow pasta to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely. Squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, using no meat ingredients and featuring protein from ricotta and Parmesan cheese.

• How can I make this pasta more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans to increase protein content without changing the core recipe’s delicious flavor profile.

• What if I don't have fresh lemon?

Use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, fresh lemon provides brighter, more vibrant citrus notes and zest for enhanced flavor.

Lively Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon ricotta spinach pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Creamy ricotta and bright herbs dance together, creating a quick, satisfying meal that delights with each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, keeping 1/4 cup of starchy liquid before straining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 60 seconds.
3. Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and soften for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare a creamy sauce by whisking ricotta with bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, seasoning with salt, cracked black pepper, and optional spicy red pepper flakes.
5. Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet containing wilted spinach and fragrant garlic.
6. Integrate the ricotta mixture with reserved pasta water, continuously stirring until a silky, smooth consistency develops.
7. Remove skillet from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
8. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings and delicate lemon zest for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Save some pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Use fresh spinach for brighter color and more vibrant flavor compared to frozen varieties.
• Choose whole milk ricotta for richer, creamier texture and more luxurious mouthfeel.
• Zesting the lemon directly over the dish enhances the fresh citrus aroma and adds bright, zesty notes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg