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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

This delightful dish combines creamy ricotta cheese with zesty lemon and fresh spinach, offering a taste sensation that feels light yet comforting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces Pasta of choice (such as fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups Fresh spinach, packed
  • 1 large Lemon zest
  • 1 large Lemon juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a rapid boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Sautéing Garlic and Spinach
  1. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the fresh spinach and a pinch of salt, cooking until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
Combining Ingredients
  1. Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a little bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Adding the Pasta
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
  1. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you desire. Enjoy this delightful dish immediately!

Notes

For perfect creamy texture, use the right amount of pasta water. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.