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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach for a Fresh Weeknight Feast

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a quick and healthy dinner option that combines fresh ingredients for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Any shape such as spaghetti, penne or fusilli
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Whole-Milk Ricotta Low-fat ricotta can be used for a lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Opt for high-quality oil for the best flavor
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste if desired
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, garlic powder can be used in a pinch
  • 1 unwaxed Lemon Zested and juiced
For the Vegetables
  • 5 ounces Fresh Baby Spinach Feel free to swap with kale or other greens if preferred
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until well blended.
  3. During the last minute of cooking pasta, add fresh baby spinach to the pot, stirring gently until wilted.
  4. Drain pasta and spinach, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  5. Return pasta and spinach to the pot over low heat. Gradually add the ricotta sauce and reserved pasta water, stirring gently to coat.
  6. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and optional lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive creaminess.

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