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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

A creamy and zesty pasta dish that comes together in just 10 minutes, featuring ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Base
  • 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice Use any preferred pasta type.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon Use a fresh lemon.
  • Juice of 1 lemon Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
Vegetables
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Cooking Essentials
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the spinach.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Add if desired.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes.
Sautéing Spinach
  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and lightly sauté for about 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Combining All Ingredients
  1. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the spinach, then stir in the ricotta mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.
Serving
  1. Plate your creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach, sprinkle with additional salt and fresh black pepper, and finish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For best results, prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time. Consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor.