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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach dish is ready in just 15 minutes and perfect for quick dinners.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Any variety such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne
For the Ricotta Mixture
  • 1 cup Whole-Milk Ricotta Can substitute with low-fat ricotta
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can be used if unavailable
  • 1 whole Lemon Zest and juice from fresh, unwaxed lemon
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with melted butter
For the Vegetables
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Can substitute with kale or other leafy greens
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add the Spinach: In the last minute of pasta cooking, add spinach to the pot to wilt. Drain together.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return drained pasta and spinach to the pot. Add ricotta mixture and toss gently to coat.
  5. Adjust Consistency: If sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Plate and drizzle with olive oil, garnish with Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water. Add seasonal vegetables or proteins for variation.

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