Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is the kind of dish that makes a weeknight dinner feel downright special without demanding much time or fuss. Imagine tender pasta tangled with silky ricotta, fragrant lemon, and bursts of fresh spinach in every bite—it’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient shines through, delivering creamy comfort, hearty greens, and a citrusy zing that brings everything to life. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is bound to become your new go-to for quick yet memorable Italian-inspired meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is charmingly straightforward, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—every item has a role to play in building flavor, creaminess, or a pop of color on your plate. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and in less than half an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy pasta right at home.

• Pasta: Choose spaghetti, penne, or your preferred shape—each one soaks up the sauce beautifully and gives a different mouthfeel.
• Ricotta Cheese: This is the secret to that signature creamy sauce; use whole-milk ricotta for the best texture.
• Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped spinach not only brings a fresh color but also wilts perfectly into the sauce, giving each forkful a bit of earthiness.
• Lemon: Both zest and juice are used to provide an irresistible citrus brightness that keeps the dish light and punchy.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin works best, adding a fruity base and helping to sauté the garlic and spinach.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced fine, are enough to create a wonderful savory aroma in the finished dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds nutty depth and a hint of sharpness—great if you want a little something extra.
• Fresh Basil (optional): Use this for garnish to introduce a pop of herbal fragrance and vibrant color at the end.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Before you drain, scoop out a cup of that pasta water and set it aside; it’ll be your ticket to the silkiest sauce. Drain the pasta and let it rest while you get started on the other elements.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

While the pasta is bubbling away, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté—just a minute or two—until it’s fragrant but not browned. Immediately add your chopped spinach. Stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and glossy, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to keep anything from sticking.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta-Lemon Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until the ricotta is smooth and creamy, with flecks of zest running through for an extra punch of flavor. This base will give Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach its luscious, slightly tangy sauce that coats every noodle.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Add the cooked pasta directly into your skillet of garlicky spinach. Don’t be shy—toss everything together so the strands are intertwined with those lovely greens. This is where the magic starts: the heat from the pasta and skillet will continue wilting the spinach and infusing it with flavor.

Step 5: Add the Ricotta Mixture

Pour the creamy ricotta-lemon mixture over the pasta and toss gently. If the sauce seems too thick or sticky, gradually splash in reserved pasta water, stirring until your desired creamy, glossy consistency is reached. The sauce should lightly cling to each noodle, making every bite of Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach decadent but not heavy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if you’d like an added savory note. Serve warm, garnished with a handful of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma, and get ready to swoon over every bite.

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Garnishes

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan elevates both the savoriness and the texture of the dish, while fresh basil ribbons scattered over the top give it a bright, herbal kick. For an extra citrus flair, add a few curls of lemon zest just before serving—your guests will notice that fresh aroma as they dig in!

Side Dishes

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think crisp, garlicky bread for mopping up extra sauce, a peppery arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, a chilled glass of white wine is the perfect finishing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancier presentation, try plating the pasta in individual bowls, twirling it into tall nests with tongs for restaurant-style appeal. Top each serving with a little extra ricotta, a few whole basil leaves, or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can also serve Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in together—instant cozy vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ricotta sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of water or milk during reheating brings back that lovely creamy texture.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this dish fares decently if you need to freeze it. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container, pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface to avoid ice crystals. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and give the pasta a good stir to reincorporate the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a dribble of olive oil or splash of water. Stir occasionally until heated through. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, mixing halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as the ricotta can become grainy. A fresh dash of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan wake up the leftovers beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely! While ricotta is traditional for this recipe and brings a mild, creamy flavor, you can experiment with creamy goat cheese or even mascarpone for a different twist. Both options maintain a similar velvety texture and meld wonderfully with spinach and lemon.

Is Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach good for meal prep?

Yes, it makes an excellent meal prep option since it keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors meld together nicely after a day or two. Just remember to save some pasta water or add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain the creamy sauce.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas to transform Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach into a more filling main. Just cook your protein of choice separately and add it in at the end with the ricotta sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

No worries! If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen chopped spinach (thawed and well-drained) works in a pinch. You can also substitute arugula or baby kale for a slightly different flavor profile and just as much greenery.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

It can easily be made vegan—simply swap regular ricotta and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Plenty of store-bought vegan ricotta options have a comparable creamy texture, and you can still enjoy all the zesty, fresh flavors in Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly different, drop everything and make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach tonight. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to revisit again and again, whether for quick weekday dinners or to impress your favorite people around the table. Give it a try and let this bright, creamy pasta become a cherished staple in your kitchen!

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