Description
A light and creamy pasta dish featuring ricotta cheese, fresh lemon, and tender spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with bright spring flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining to use later for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Sauce: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese to form a creamy mixture.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the hot drained pasta to the ricotta mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Add Spinach Mixture: Stir in the sautéed spinach and garlic mixture, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired for some heat.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, optionally topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture for the sauce.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken as a topping or side.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the bright lemon flavor and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
