Immerse yourself in the zesty and creamy flavors of this Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach, a dish that promises a delightful and comforting meal in just minutes. Combining the tanginess of lemon with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, this pasta dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Follow this simple recipe to create a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb (8oz/220 grams) pasta (your choice: spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli, etc.)
- 1 cup (9oz/250 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 8 oz (230 grams) fresh baby spinach, washed
- 1/3 cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice
- 3 lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and the grated garlic. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a little pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Cook the Spinach:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Combine Pasta and Ricotta:
- Add the drained pasta to the ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add the Spinach:
- Fold the cooked spinach into the pasta, mixing gently to distribute the spinach throughout.
- Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving dishes. Drizzle with a bit more extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese, and season with black pepper to taste. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor if desired.
This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or any time you’re in need of a pasta fix that feels like a hug in a bowl. Enjoy the creamy texture, the refreshing tang of lemon, and the nutritional boost of spinach in every bite.