If you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of fresh flavors, Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is just what you need! This dish combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, the zesty brightness of lemon, and the freshness of spinach, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy meal.

What makes this recipe so special is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors with the added freshness of spinach. It’s a comforting yet light pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, spring meals, or anytime you want something quick, easy, and delicious!

This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach features creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon, all combined to create a light and flavorful pasta dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect dish when you want something quick yet satisfying.

With minimal ingredients and a fast cook time, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Exciting Story:

The first time I made Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach, I was looking for something light but filling to serve on a busy weeknight. I had some ricotta cheese in the fridge and a bunch of fresh spinach, so I decided to pair them with pasta for a quick meal. As I tossed the ricotta with the pasta, the bright lemon flavor and creamy cheese made everything come together beautifully.

The first bite was pure perfection—the creaminess of the ricotta mixed with the freshness of the spinach and the tangy lemon made for a dish that was both comforting and refreshing. This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach has since become one of my go-to meals for any occasion!

Why This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach?

• Light and Flavorful: The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy lemon, and fresh spinach creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and 20 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Versatile: You can add chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables to make it even heartier.

How to Make Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Sauté the Spinach: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove the spinach from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir together, adding some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine the Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed spinach to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
6. Enjoy: Your Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips For Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to the pasta.
• Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based ricotta or cashew cream for a vegan version of this dish.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Greens: If you don’t have spinach, you can use kale, arugula, or even basil for a different flavor.
• Zesty Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a few extra dashes of lemon juice for more brightness.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Substitute the ricotta with a low-fat or dairy-free version for a lighter alternative.

Closing For Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

And there you have it! Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more light and flavorful meals!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ricotta sauce and spinach ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use goat cheese, mascarpone, or even cream cheese instead of ricotta for a different flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I know when the spinach is done?
The spinach is done when it’s wilted and tender, usually after about 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Add vegetables like mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

Can I freeze this pasta?
This pasta is best served fresh, but you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What else can I add to the pasta?
You can add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for added texture, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

What can I serve this with?
This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan ricotta and a dairy-free pasta to make this dish entirely plant-based.

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Occasions, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
• Sauté the Spinach: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove the spinach from the pan and set it aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir together, adding some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Combine the Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed spinach to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
• Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Enjoy: Your Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.