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Lemon Ricotta Pasta and Spinach

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach for a Quick Delight

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Lemon Ricotta Pasta and Spinach, an elegant and effortless weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese avoid low-fat for better flavor
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil more for drizzling if desired
  • 1 clove garlic pressed or grated
  • 1 lemon for zest and juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Greens
  • 8 oz baby spinach rinsed
For Serving
  • Lemon wedges optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • knife
  • Grater

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. With the drained pasta in the pot, stir in baby spinach for the last minute of cooking. Once wilted, drain together.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Off the heat, fold the sauce into pasta and spinach, adding reserved water gradually for texture.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and optional lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure to cook pasta al dente and mix ingredients off heat for best results.

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