Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a delightful, zesty, and creamy pasta dish that brings together the freshness of lemon, the richness of ricotta, and the earthy flavor of spinach. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a luscious, creamy sauce that coats each strand of pasta, brightened by the citrusy kick of lemon. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or a sophisticated meal to serve guests, this recipe has you covered.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also a satisfying, comforting dish that can easily be customized with a variety of additions. The combination of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta makes this dish a go-to choice for vegetarians or anyone looking for a light yet filling meal. This guide will walk you through every step of the recipe, provide helpful tips for achieving the perfect pasta, and suggest fun variations to personalize the dish.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

• Refreshing and Creamy: The ricotta provides a creamy texture that complements the fresh lemon, creating a light and indulgent sauce.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or when you’re short on time but still want a flavorful dinner.
• Nutritious and Flavorful: With the addition of spinach, this pasta dish is packed with vitamins and minerals while still being indulgent and comforting.
• Customizable: The recipe is easily adjustable to suit your preferences. You can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or even switch up the vegetables.
• Vegetarian Delight: This dish is a great choice for vegetarians, providing a healthy balance of carbs, protein, and greens in one delicious meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 55-60g
• Protein: 12-14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach (about 4 oz)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for heat
• Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Special Equipment

Though Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach doesn’t require specialized tools, there are a few kitchen essentials that will make the process smoother and ensure the dish turns out perfectly:

1. Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A large pot is needed to cook the pasta. Make sure the pot is large enough to allow the pasta to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
2. Sauté Pan: A sauté pan will be necessary for cooking the garlic, spinach, and combining the sauce with the pasta. Choose a wide pan for easy stirring and even cooking.
3. Garlic Press: While optional, a garlic press can help finely chop garlic quickly, releasing all the flavor for the sauce.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important to balance the flavors in this dish, so use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right amount of ingredients.
5. Lemon Zester: A zester or microplane grater will help you easily zest the lemon for a fragrant addition to the dish.
6. Tongs or Pasta Spoon: For tossing the cooked pasta into the sauce, a set of tongs or a pasta spoon will help make the process easier and ensure the pasta is well coated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set aside the drained pasta.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add the fresh spinach to the pan and sauté, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts, about 3-4 minutes. The spinach will shrink down significantly, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot of greens at first. Once the spinach is wilted, remove the pan from heat and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Toss the pasta and spinach together until the spinach is evenly distributed. Slowly add the ricotta sauce to the pasta, stirring gently to combine everything. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Toss and Serve

Once the pasta is coated in the creamy lemon ricotta sauce, give everything a final toss to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also enhance the flavor.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

• Reserve Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a secret ingredient to adjust the sauce consistency. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this dish, as it wilts down beautifully and adds a nice texture to the pasta. If using frozen spinach, be sure to drain it well and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
• Adjust the Lemon Flavor: The amount of lemon zest and juice can be adjusted depending on how strong you want the citrus flavor to be. Start with the recommended amount, and if you want a stronger lemon kick, add more zest or juice.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach wilts down quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Sauté it just until it’s tender and bright green.
• Make It Creamier: For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a bit more ricotta for a creamier texture. Alternatively, use full-fat ricotta for a creamier base.

Variations of Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Grilled Chicken: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken breast slices on top of the pasta. The savory chicken pairs wonderfully with the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Shrimp: Shrimp adds a nice seafood twist to the dish. Simply sauté the shrimp in olive oil with a bit of garlic and toss with the pasta before serving.
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a burst of umami, stir in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Their tangy and savory flavor adds depth to the dish.
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be added for a meaty texture. The earthy flavor of mushrooms complements the creamy ricotta and fresh spinach beautifully.
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Pine Nuts: For added texture and a touch of nutty flavor, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top of the finished dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later. Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or a bit more ricotta to refresh the sauce.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy ricotta sauce, which can separate when frozen and thawed. For best results, enjoy it within a few days of preparation.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Enhance your Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach by pairing it with complementary dishes:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a classic pairing. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes add more depth and flavor to the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the zesty lemon flavors of the pasta.

Print

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a delicious, light yet creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant lemon flavor, and indulgent ricotta sauce, this pasta is sure to impress your family and guests. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it’s a versatile addition to your pasta repertoire. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian main course or add your favorite protein, this dish offers both comfort and freshness in every bite. Enjoy the citrusy goodness of Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach—it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite!