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Zesty Lemon Ricotta and Spinach Pasta

Zesty Lemon Ricotta and Spinach Pasta

  • Author: Andy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy, zesty, and vibrant pasta dish featuring ricotta, fresh spinach, and lemon. Quick to make, irresistibly fresh, and perfect for any night of the week.


Ingredients

  • Pasta: 12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti
  • Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup of whole milk ricotta
  • Fresh Spinach: 4 cups, loosely packed
  • Lemon Zest: From 1 large lemon
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Parmesan Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large pot of salted water to boil and prepare a sauté pan.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cook pasta until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  4. Assemble the Dish: In sauté pan, heat remaining olive oil, sauté garlic, then wilt spinach.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Add pasta and ricotta mixture, toss with reserved water to desired creaminess.
  6. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning and add Parmesan if desired.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate immediately and garnish with black pepper and zest.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for best creaminess.
  • Zest lemon before juicing to maximize flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce perfectly.
  • Don’t overcook spinach to keep its color and texture vibrant.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, spinach pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta