Description

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach recipe is a quick and creamy 15-minute pasta dish perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Combining whole-milk ricotta, fresh baby spinach, lemon zest and juice, and Parmesan cheese, it delivers a bright and luscious flavor balanced by tender pasta and a silky sauce made with reserved pasta water.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz (220g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli)

Ricotta Sauce

1 cup (250g) whole-milk ricotta
1/3 cup (35g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

8 oz (230g) fresh baby spinach, washed

Optional Garnish

3 lemon wedges, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Prepare Ricotta Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, grated or pressed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Wilt Spinach: In the final minute of the pasta cooking time, add the fresh baby spinach directly into the boiling pasta water to quickly wilt the leaves.
Combine Ingredients: Drain the pasta and spinach, then return them to the pot. Add the prepared ricotta sauce and the reserved pasta water to the pot.
Toss and Serve: Stir vigorously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the pasta and spinach evenly. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and optional lemon wedges for added brightness.

Notes

Ensure to reserve pasta water as it helps to create the creamy sauce texture when mixed with ricotta.
Use fresh unwaxed lemons for the best zest flavor and juice.
Adjust salt and pepper according to taste after mixing the sauce.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately to retain the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
For variation, you can add cooked chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, quick pasta recipe, spinach pasta, easy vegetarian pasta, 15-minute meals