Creamy, bright, and full of fresh flavor, Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is the weeknight hero your table has been missing. Imagine silken pasta strands dressed in lemon-scented ricotta, delicate baby spinach just barely wilted, and a pop of Parmesan in every bite. Dinner comes together in less than thirty minutes and feels effortlessly special, whether you’re twirling it up solo or sharing with friends. Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is your new go-to for those nights when you want something cozy, fuss-free, and totally satisfying.

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach proves that you don’t need complicated shopping lists to create magic in the kitchen. Every element lends its own charm and purpose, from the zesty lemon to the creamy ricotta and vibrant greens.

12 oz pasta (such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne): Choose your favorite shape—the pasta forms the perfect canvas for this creamy sauce.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Use whole-milk ricotta for the most luxurious, velvety texture in your sauce.
1 lemon (zest and juice): Fresh lemon brings all the brightness; zest and juice deliver maximum citrusy impact.
2 cups fresh baby spinach: Just a quick sauté turns handfuls of spinach into tender, silky greens that pair beautifully with ricotta.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that takes the creaminess over the top.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A little fresh garlic adds savory depth and rounds out the flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil: The foundation for gently cooking the aromatics and adding richness.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—adjust or omit depending on your spice mood.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Season boldly throughout for the best flavor in every forkful.
Reserved pasta water (as needed): This is the secret to achieving a perfectly creamy, silky sauce.
Extra Parmesan and lemon zest for garnish (optional): Finish with an irresistible flourish if you like things extra zingy and cheesy.

How to Make Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your choice of pasta. Cook it until just al dente—perfectly tender with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of starchy pasta water. That liquid gold is your ticket to ultra-creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

While the pasta is swirling in its bath, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat) and let it sizzle for a minute, releasing mouthwatering aromas. Tumble in the spinach and stir gently until wilted and dreamy green, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta, Lemon, and Parmesan

In a roomy mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta, fresh lemon zest, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. The ricotta becomes pillowy and fragrant, infused with that happy lemon zing. This is your creamy flavor bomb!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the steaming hot pasta and sautéed spinach directly into the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Start tossing everything together, gradually pouring in the reserved pasta water. Watch as it transforms into a luscious, glossy sauce that coats every noodle beautifully.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Give your Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach a taste test and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe another splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pile into bowls and, if you’re feeling a little extra, garnish with more cheese and fresh lemon zest. Dinner is served—creamy, bright, and utterly irresistible!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

Garnishes

Garnish is where you get to play! More grated Parmesan and lemon zest on top bring extra flavor and a little sparkle. Some freshly cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of quality olive oil can make each serving pop.

Side Dishes

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is satisfying on its own, but it shines alongside a leafy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some toasted garlic bread. If you want to elevate dinner, serve with roasted veggies or a crisp glass of white wine.

Creative Ways to Present

For easy entertaining, try serving individual nests of pasta sprinkled with extra cheese. Or, create a big family-style platter with a tumble of spinach and lemon slices on the side. The creamy sauce also works beautifully in a baked pasta casserole—just top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a winner! Enjoy within 2–3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this pasta, dairy-based sauces like ricotta can sometimes get a little grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container, and expect the texture to be slightly less creamy after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed—this brings back the dreamy creaminess that makes Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach so special.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or any short-twirl pasta holds up well and catches the creamy ricotta sauce in all the nooks. Use whatever you have on hand or whatever suits your mood.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for ricotta?

You can swap in Greek yogurt for some of the ricotta in a pinch, but the sauce may have a tangier flavor and thinner consistency. For authentic creaminess, whole-milk ricotta truly works best in Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach.

How do I make this dish vegan?

To make this pasta vegan, choose a good plant-based ricotta and Parmesan alternative, and skip any animal-derived pasta. The creamy, lemony vibes will still come through deliciously!

What protein can I add to make it heartier?

Grilled chicken or shrimp make excellent add-ins for extra protein. For a vegetarian boost, stir in cooked white beans or chickpeas right at the end with the pasta and spinach.

Can I serve this dish cold?

You sure can! Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach tastes fantastic at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or next-day desk lunches. The flavors stay vibrant and refreshing even when chilled.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and fresh, Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach checks every box. It’s a joyful blend of creamy, zesty, and green that’s always welcome at my table. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple delight—you’ll be twirling your fork and grinning with every bite!

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach recipe is a creamy and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish that’s quick and simple to make. With the bright flavors of lemon and the richness of ricotta cheese, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne)

Ricotta Mixture:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Spinach:

2 cups fresh baby spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Extra Parmesan and lemon zest for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Sauté Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, add spinach and cook until wilted.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Add cooked pasta and spinach to the ricotta mixture. Toss, adding pasta water until creamy.
Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve topped with Parmesan and lemon zest.