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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a light, fresh, and creamy dish combining ricotta cheese, zesty lemon, and nutritious spinach. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, this pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a balanced meal that is both comforting and invigorating.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or penne pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook your chosen pasta until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the type. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water to help blend the sauce later.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in fresh spinach and sauté until just wilted, which takes roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Mix the Ricotta and Lemon: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating a fresh sauce base that’s bursting with citrus flavor.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach and garlic, then toss in the ricotta-lemon mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until everything is coated evenly.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and if you like, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavors.
  • Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to ensure brightness and aroma.
  • Do not overcook spinach; just wilt to retain vibrant color and texture.
  • Warm ricotta to room temperature before mixing to avoid clumps.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more ricotta or reserved pasta water as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, spinach pasta, creamy lemon pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/lemon-ricotta-pasta-with-spinach/