Description
Fresh lemon ricotta spinach pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Creamy cheese, zesty citrus, and tender greens dance together in this quick, satisfying Italian-inspired dish that promises comfort and flavor in every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasoning:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight firmness to the bite. Carefully extract and preserve a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
- Warm a skillet over moderate heat and introduce olive oil. Gently sauté the minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen, approximately 60 seconds. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to soften and collapse into a vibrant green mass.
- In a separate mixing vessel, blend ricotta cheese with finely grated Parmesan. Zest a bright lemon directly into the mixture, followed by its tangy juice. Season with a delicate balance of salt, cracked black pepper, and a whisper of red pepper flakes. Thoroughly integrate all components until smooth and uniform.
- Reduce skillet temperature to low. Transfer the drained pasta into the spinach-infused pan. Cascade the creamy ricotta mixture over the pasta, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to each pasta strand.
- Artfully distribute the pasta into serving dishes. Embellish with additional Parmesan shavings, a hint of freshly ground black pepper, and a graceful drizzle of premium olive oil. Serve immediately while radiating warmth and flavor.
Notes
- Enhance creaminess by using full-fat ricotta for a richer, smoother sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Boost nutrition by adding protein-packed grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – use less for mild flavor or more for a spicy kick.
- Keep pasta water starchy and salty, as it helps bind the sauce and adds depth
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg