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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, keeping 1/4 cup of starchy liquid before straining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 60 seconds.
- Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and soften for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- 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.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet containing wilted spinach and fragrant garlic.
- Integrate the ricotta mixture with reserved pasta water, continuously stirring until a silky, smooth consistency develops.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- 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