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
pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Oils and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the hot pasta to the ricotta mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Combine and season: Stir in the sautéed spinach mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
