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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

A quick and vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Any long or short pasta shape like spaghetti or penne
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Whole-Milk Ricotta Use cottage cheese for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with lighter olive oil
  • 1 clove Garlic Grated or pressed
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Plus extra for garnishing
  • 1 whole Lemon Zest and juice, use unwaxed lemons
For the Vegetables
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Wash thoroughly and consider blanching
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor
  • to taste Black Pepper Keep light to let the lemon shine

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Last minute of cooking, reserve ½ cup pasta water and add spinach to the pot. Wilt for 1 minute.
  4. Drain pasta and spinach, return to pot, and mix in ricotta mixture with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Serve warm, garnishing with extra Parmesan, olive oil, and optional lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy while fresh, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days, and freeze without spinach for up to 3 months.

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