Description
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a light, refreshing, and creamy dish perfect for quick meals or elegant dinners. With zesty lemon, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with the ricotta mixture. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add Spinach: Fold in fresh spinach; the heat of the pasta will wilt it slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan (if using) and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the lemon juice and zest to your taste.
- Whole-grain or gluten-free pasta can be substituted.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or turkey bacon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 375
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g