This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon creates a vibrant and refreshing pasta dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb (8 oz / 220 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli, etc.)
- 1 cup (9 oz / 250 grams) whole-milk ricotta
- 8 oz (230 grams) fresh baby spinach, rinsed
- ⅓ cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, with more for sprinkling
- 1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice
- 3 lemon wedges, to serve (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Prepare the pasta as per the package instructions until it is al dente.
- Reserve approximately 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta, grated Parmesan cheese, grated or pressed garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Wilt the Spinach:
- In the same pot used to cook the pasta, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta back into the pot with the wilted spinach.
- Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spinach.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy ricotta sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency.
5. Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
- For a zesty accent, serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy freshness of lemon, the creamy richness of ricotta, and the earthy goodness of spinach. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful pasta dish with your loved ones, and savor the harmonious blend of ingredients!