If you’re craving a dish that feels delightfully fresh, creamy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, you have to try this Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that cozies up to you with the brightness of lemon, the silkiness of ricotta, and the earthiness of spinach—all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe is quick, simple, and always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward is key for this recipe because each element contributes essential flavor and texture that make the dish shine. From the fresh spinach’s vivid green to the zesty pop of lemon, every ingredient works harmoniously to create that irresistible finish.
- 8 oz pasta: Use spaghetti or penne for the best texture to hold the sauce nicely.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, comforting richness to the pasta.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brings brightness and a subtle tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves: Offers color, nutrients, and a tender earthiness that balances the lemon.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and spinach, adding smoothness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the oil and spinach with a gentle, savory aroma.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor and a little texture.
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional): For a fresh herbal garnish that perfectly complements the lemon and spinach.
How to Make Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy water is pure gold for loosening the sauce later and making it silky smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta cheese with the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice in a large bowl. The ricotta will become bright and slightly tangy with the lemon, creating a luscious sauce base that is both creamy and refreshing.
Step 3: Sauté Spinach and Garlic
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until its fragrance fills your kitchen but avoid browning it. Toss in the spinach and sauté just until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two—this keeps the spinach vivid and tender.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Spinach and Garlic
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Toss everything gently to mix the pasta with those flavorful greens and oils, ensuring each strand or piece gets coated evenly.
Step 5: Add Ricotta Mixture and Adjust Sauce
Pour the lemon ricotta mixture over the pasta and spinach, tossing until every bite is enveloped in creamy, tangy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick or clings too tightly, stir in some of that reserved pasta water little by little until you reach the perfect silky consistency.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve your pasta warm, sprinkled generously with grated Parmesan cheese and topped with thin slices of fresh basil if you’re using it. This final step brings everything together and adds an extra layer of taste and color.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful and tasty presentation, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Adding fresh basil leaves offers a delicate, herbaceous contrast that pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds an elegant finish and a wonderful glow.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with vinaigrette, enhancing the fresh, vibrant flavors. Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread also makes a great side to mop up any leftover sauce and rounds out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pasta in beautiful shallow bowls to showcase the vivid green spinach and creamy sauce. For a fun twist, top with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to add a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few lemon zest curls on top will brighten the plate visually and aromatically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Pack it into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent drying out and keep the dish nicely creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Kale, baby arugula, or Swiss chard can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking time depending on the green—kale and chard may need a bit longer to soften, while arugula wilts quickly.
Is ricotta cheese okay to use without cooking?
Yes, ricotta in this recipe isn’t cooked on its own; it’s mixed into the warm pasta so it gently melts and creates a creamy texture. Just make sure your pasta is hot when you combine them!
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta complement the lemon and spinach beautifully and make the dish more filling without overpowering the delicate flavors.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use a plant-based ricotta alternative and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Also, ensure the pasta you choose contains no eggs if you want to keep it fully vegan.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or penne are perfect for this recipe because they hold the sauce well and mix effortlessly with the spinach and ricotta. However, feel free to use your favorite shape—you can’t really go wrong!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe is one of those meals that feels both special and utterly comforting, perfect for busy days or laid-back dinners with friends and family. It’s fresh, creamy, and bright all at once, making it a staple you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be excited to share this delicious discovery with everyone in your life.
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Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and creamy lemon ricotta pasta with fresh spinach, perfectly balanced with bright citrus flavors and tender greens. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy vegetarian dish is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Ricotta Mixture: Add the lemon ricotta mixture to the pasta and spinach in the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil slices, if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen and create a silky sauce with the ricotta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- For a vegan variation, substitute ricotta with cashew cream and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh lemon zest adds a bright citrus aroma that enhances the dish.
- Spinach can be substituted with baby kale or arugula for different greens flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
