If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors yet comes together effortlessly, you’ve got to try this Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and fresh spinach tossed with tender pasta, creating a meal that’s light, refreshing, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each adds its own magic, from the creamy ricotta providing silky richness to the vibrant lemon zest brightening every bite. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life!
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne): Choose your favorite shape for the perfect base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a luscious texture and mild tang that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Essential for that fresh, citrusy punch that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves: Adds vibrant color and a healthy green boost, wilting slightly for tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation for sautéing garlic and bringing richness to the spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a hint of savory warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the wonderful flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that perfectly crowns the pasta.
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional), for garnish: Brings an herbal freshness and pops of color to your plate.
How to Make Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm yet tender. Before draining, don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for loosening your sauce and achieving the perfect creamy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the pasta cooks, grab a large bowl and combine your ricotta cheese with the zest and juice of a fresh lemon. Mixing these creates a bright and creamy sauce base that will beautifully coat each strand or piece of pasta.
Step 3: Sauté Spinach and Garlic
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant—this quick step fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Then toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted, preserving their delicate texture and deep green hue.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Spinach
Add the drained pasta right into your skillet with the fragrant garlic and wilted spinach. Gently toss everything to combine, allowing the flavors to mingle and the pasta to pick up a subtle garlicky essence.
Step 5: Mix in the Ricotta Sauce
Pour the luscious lemon ricotta mixture over the pasta and spinach. Toss again, making sure every bite is coated in that creamy, tangy goodness. If the sauce feels thick, add the reserved pasta water a splash at a time until silky and smooth—this step turns the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve your Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe immediately, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy. This final touch brings a beautiful balance of flavors and a stunning presentation.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish truly shine on the table, I love adding extra grated Parmesan for that salty kick, along with a handful of thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. These garnishes add layers of flavor and a pop of fresh green, making every bite feel special and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add some crunch and contrast. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is also a fantastic option for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate—because why waste a single drop?
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving this Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe in pretty bowls, layering the pasta first and then drizzling a little extra ricotta and lemon zest on top. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a crunchy texture or gentle heat for a twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the fresh lemon and ricotta sauce can thicken, so adding a splash of water or olive oil when reheating can restore the creamy consistency.
Freezing
While freezing pasta with ricotta sauce isn’t ideal as the texture may change, you can freeze the cooked pasta (without sauce) separately for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw and toss with freshly prepared ricotta lemon sauce and spinach for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little reserved pasta water or olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can cause the ricotta to curdle.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or Swiss chard make great swaps, adding different flavors and textures. Just sauté them until tender like you would the spinach.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat or fish. Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan if that’s a concern.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap ricotta with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Lemon and spinach provide plenty of flavor to keep it delicious.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti and penne are great choices because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta shape you love.
How can I make this dish more protein-packed?
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a handful of toasted pine nuts will boost protein without overshadowing the fresh lemon ricotta flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for its incredible balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors wrapped up in a simple, fuss-free preparation. It proves that with just a handful of quality ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that feels both special and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your recipe rotation—it’s guaranteed to brighten any mealtime!
Print
Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and creamy lemon ricotta pasta with vibrant spinach, offering a delightful combination of zesty lemon, smooth ricotta, and garlicky sautéed greens. This easy 25-minute meal is perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the ricotta mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Toss pasta with spinach: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Add the ricotta mixture: Pour the ricotta, lemon, and cheese mixture over the pasta and spinach in the skillet. Toss again until the pasta is evenly coated. Gradually add reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and optional thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor; baby spinach works well too.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely fresh herbal note.
- For a vegan variation, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative and omit Parmesan cheese.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a crisp sparkling water with lemon.
