The Creamiest Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe Ever

Vibrant lemon ricotta pasta sparkles with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that redefine simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a delightful harmony on your plate.

Fresh spinach adds verdant richness and nutritional depth to this elegant dish.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing sophisticated taste profiles.

The combination of tangy cheese and zesty citrus elevates ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Delicate herb accents and silky sauce invite you to savor each carefully crafted bite.

Comfort meets gourmet in this irresistible meal that promises to become a kitchen favorite.

Why Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Is Bright and Creamy

• Whip Up a Creamy Delight: This pasta delivers a luxurious, silky sauce that coats every strand with rich ricotta and bright lemon flavors, creating a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.
• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with spinach and protein-rich ricotta, this dish sneaks in healthy ingredients without sacrificing taste, making it a smart choice for busy families.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: The simple one-pot method transforms basic ingredients into an impressive meal in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like extra pepper, different herbs, or swapping spinach with other greens, ensuring versatility and keeping mealtime exciting.

What Goes into Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

• Pasta: Versatile base that holds the creamy sauce, with options like spaghetti or penne for different textures.
• Whole-Milk Ricotta: Creamy, rich cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.

• Baby Spinach: Fresh, tender green that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides depth of flavor and umami notes.

• Lemon: Bright, zesty fruit that adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that brings smoothness and rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the overall dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other flavors.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until perfectly tender. Aim for al dente texture.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Sprinkle salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Wilt Fresh Spinach

During the final minute of pasta cooking, drop spinach leaves into the boiling water. Stir gently to ensure leaves are fully submerged and wilting.

Step 4: Combine Pasta Mixture

Drain pasta and spinach, returning them to the pot. Pour ricotta sauce over the pasta. Add reserved cooking water gradually, stirring to create a silky, creamy coating. Mix until every pasta strand is evenly dressed.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
• Fresh lemon wedges (optional)

Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Creamy Ricotta Pasta with a Zing

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, juicy lemons and high-quality ricotta cheese for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
• Cook Pasta to Perfection: Stick to al dente cooking time to prevent mushy pasta and maintain a satisfying bite.
• Reserve Pasta Water Strategically: Keep starchy cooking water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Zest Before Juicing: Grate lemon zest first, then squeeze juice to extract maximum citrusy brightness and aromatic oils.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the ideal creamy sauce, ensuring it's neither too thick nor too thin.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lemon ricotta pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to ricotta's delicate texture, which can separate and become grainy when thawed. Fresh is always best for this creamy, zesty pasta dish.

What to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this bright lemon ricotta pasta with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light white wines complement the dish's citrusy and creamy notes perfectly, cutting through the richness while enhancing the fresh lemon flavor.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will echo the pasta's bright characteristics and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Crusty Bread Buddy: Add a side of warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious ricotta sauce. Drizzle the bread with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the entire dining experience and add textural variety.
• Herbal Drink Accent: Complement the meal with a refreshing basil-infused sparkling water or a light herbal iced tea. These beverages will cleanse the palate and mirror the dish's fresh, herbaceous undertones without overwhelming the delicate pasta flavors.

Fun Twists on Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

• Herb-Packed Creamy Pasta: Replace spinach with a mix of fresh basil, parsley, and chives. Chop herbs finely and fold into the ricotta sauce for a vibrant, green-flecked pasta.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Add roasted cherry tomatoes and sautéed zucchini to the pasta. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Protein-Powered Version: Fold in grilled chicken or seared shrimp. Season the protein with lemon pepper and mix into the pasta for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
• Spicy Lemon Ricotta Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes and a touch of cayenne into the ricotta sauce. Garnish with crispy pancetta bits for an extra flavor punch.

LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon ricotta pasta with spinach brings Italian elegance to weeknight dining. Quick and luxurious, this dish delivers zesty freshness and silky texture that will make you crave another delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ lb (8 ounces/220 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1 cup (9 ounces/250 grams) whole-milk ricotta
• 8 ounces (230 grams) fresh baby spinach, washed
• ⅓ cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• 3 lemon wedges, to serve

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously salt it, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight firmness at the core.
2. While pasta simmers, craft the creamy ricotta mixture by whisking together smooth ricotta, fragrant olive oil, aged Parmesan, minced garlic, bright lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, blending until silky and well-incorporated.
3. During the pasta’s final cooking moment, carefully extract a half cup of starchy cooking liquid. Gently introduce fresh spinach leaves into the boiling water, allowing them to wilt and soften for approximately one minute.
4. Drain the pasta and vibrant spinach in a colander, then transfer back to the warm cooking pot. Pour the luxurious ricotta sauce over the pasta, using reserved cooking liquid to create a smooth, glossy coating. Toss thoroughly to ensure each pasta strand is lavishly dressed.
5. Transfer to serving plates, creating elegant swirls of the herb-flecked pasta. Embellish with additional Parmesan shavings, a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and optional lemon wedges for a citrusy burst of freshness.

Notes

• Whip up this quick and zesty pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes.
• Creamy ricotta blends with bright lemon and earthy spinach, creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.
• Fresh ingredients make all the difference, so choose ripe lemons, quality ricotta, and crisp spinach for maximum flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg