Lemon ricotta pasta & spinach
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta
8oz/220 grams
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
9oz/250 grams
- 8 oz fresh baby spinach
washed, 230 grams
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
plus extra to serve, 35 grams
- 1 unwaxed lemon
zest and juice
- 3 lemon wedges
to serve), (optional
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
plus extra for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove
grated or pressed
- to tastesalt and black pepper
Directions
- 1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, make the ricotta sauce.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest and juice. Season with 1/4 tsp of salt and a good pinch of pepper.
- 3
Stir until well combined, taste and make sure you're happy with the seasoning.
- 4
In the last minute of the pasta's cooking time, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then and add spinach to the pot. Stir well and push the leaves down to submerge them in water.
- 5
After 1 minute, drain and return pasta and spinach to the same pot.
- 6
Add the ricotta sauce and part of the reserved cooking water. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce, add more cooking water as needed, you want a smooth and creamy texture.
- 7
Serve immediately and garnish with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon wedges if desired (for extra freshly squeezed juice, but I leave it optional). Plus, I love adding a good pinch of red pepper flakes, you might give it a go. Enjoy!
Lemon ricotta pasta & spinach
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About this Recipe
Craving a dinner that's both comforting and incredibly fresh, ready faster than takeout? This Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach recipe delivers a light and zesty weeknight meal that tastes like sunshine on a plate, all prepared in less than 15 minutes.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its clever combination of creamy whole-milk ricotta with bright lemon zest and juice, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. It's a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when perfectly balanced, can create a truly delicious flavor with minimal effort.
Prepare for a delightful culinary experience where every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and subtly savory notes. You'll savor the smooth, rich ricotta sauce, brightened by the zesty lemon, complementing tender pasta and the gentle earthiness of fresh baby spinach. This dish offers a lovely texture contrast and a refreshing flavor profile that feels both indulgent and remarkably light. It's an ideal choice when you desire vibrant flavors without a heavy feeling, making it perfect for a satisfying, quick dinner.
While delicious as is, this Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to choose your preferred pasta shape from spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli to change the eating experience. For a slightly different richness, while the recipe specifies whole-milk ricotta for its luxurious texture, some home cooks might opt for a part-skim version if that's what they have on hand. You can also adjust the amount of grated Parmesan or lemon zest to suit your personal taste, making it more sharp or cheesy as desired.
This simple yet elegant pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a flash. Serve it with an extra drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.