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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

A creamy and zesty pasta dish featuring ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and lemon for a delicious and easy meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (your choice, like spaghetti or penne)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 each lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil For sautéing
  • Parmesan cheese (for serving) Optional, for serving

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.
Sautéing Ingredients
  1. In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
  2. Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Finishing Up
  1. Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring for a couple of minutes until everything is warmed through.
  2. Plate the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of flavor!

Notes

For Halal-friendly substitutes, consider using plant-based Parmesan cheese or omitting it entirely for a lighter dish. Timing: Chop your ingredients while waiting for the pasta to cook to save time. Watch your garlic carefully while sautéing; burnt garlic can ruin your dish! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil in a skillet over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.