The “Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach” is a light and refreshing dish that perfectly embodies the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. This recipe combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons to create a sauce that is both rich and invigorating. When tossed with your choice of pasta and fresh spinach, the dish becomes a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both nourishing and satisfying. The addition of spinach not only adds a pop of color but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is sure to delight anyone looking for a meal that is easy to prepare, yet full of sophisticated flavors.
Ingredients:
1/2 lb (8oz/220 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli…)
1 cup (9oz/250 grams) whole-milk ricotta
8 oz (230 grams) fresh baby spinach, washed
1/3 cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
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
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Meanwhile, 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. Stir until well combined.
In the last minute of the pasta’s cooking time, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then add spinach to the pot. Stir well and push the leaves down to submerge them in water.
After 1 minute, drain and return pasta and spinach to the same pot.
Add the ricotta sauce and part of the reserved cooking water. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce, adding more cooking water as needed for a smooth and creamy texture.
Serve immediately, garnished with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and lemon wedges if desired. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 538 kcal | Servings: 3 servings