Description
This Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a vibrant, creamy dish that combines fresh spinach, tangy lemon, and smooth ricotta cheese for a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (such as linguine or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Cheese and Flavorings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Mix Ricotta and Flavorings: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Toss Pasta and Mixture: Add the hot, drained pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Add Spinach and Adjust Sauce: Mix in the sautéed spinach and gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Top with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
