Go Back
+ servings
The Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta

The Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Fresh Spinach Recipe

The Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish that features fresh spinach and zesty lemon, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 538

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb pasta spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli...
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta approximately 9 oz/250 grams
  • 8 oz fresh baby spinach washed
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra to serve
  • 1 unwaxed lemon zest and juice
  • 3 lemon wedges to serve (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 clove garlic grated or pressed
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium bowl
  • measuring cups
  • grater
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, make the ricotta sauce.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Season with 1/4 tsp of salt and a good pinch of pepper.
  3. Stir until well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In the last minute of the pasta's cooking time, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then add spinach to the pot. Stir well and push the leaves down to submerge them in water.
  5. After 1 minute, drain and return pasta and spinach to the same pot.
  6. Add the ricotta sauce and part of the reserved cooking water. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding more cooking water as needed for a smooth texture.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 538kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 26gFat: 20gSodium: 314mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4g

Notes

Make sure not to skip on the lemon zest. It adds brightness to the dish that enhances the overall flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!