Description
Creamy, fresh, and bright—this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a quick dinner that feels gourmet. Ideal for busy nights or relaxed weekends, it blends zesty lemon with creamy ricotta and wilted spinach into a light yet satisfying dish. This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy comfort food, fast weeknight meals, or cozy dinner ideas without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 clove garlic, finely grated
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Return drained pasta to the pot. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
4. Add the hot pasta and spinach to the ricotta mixture. Toss together, adding pasta water gradually until creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta for best flavor and creaminess.
Don’t overcook the spinach—let it just wilt in the heat of the pasta.
Add extra lemon zest on top for more brightness when serving.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, healthy comfort food, weeknight pasta