Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This lemon ricotta pasta with spinach is perfect for anyone looking to whip up a creamy, bright dish with minimal fuss. It combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with comfort food textures, making it my favorite go-to for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying but light.

I often find myself coming back to this recipe because it feels indulgent without being heavy and comes together faster than you'd expect

Ingredients

• Half a pound of pasta: choose your favorite shape like spaghetti or penne picking a quality brand ensures better texture
• One cup whole-milk ricotta: gives the sauce creaminess opt for fresh ricotta with no additives when possible
• Eight ounces fresh baby spinach: adds vibrant color and nutrients go for tender leaves without yellowing or wilting
• A third cup grated Parmesan cheese: brings savory depth select freshly grated if you can for more flavor
• One unwaxed lemon: provides zest and juice the unwaxed kind is great because you use the skin too just rinse it well
• One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: is essential for richness and smooth sauce look for a fruity oil to complement lemon
• One garlic clove: grated or pressed lends aromatic punch fresh garlic always beats powdered
• Salt and black pepper: to taste essential seasonings that balance the dish don't be shy with tasting as you go

Instructions

Build The Pasta:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions aiming for al dente which means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. This step sets the foundation for a satisfying bite.

Prepare The Sauce:

In a medium bowl combine the ricotta with olive oil Parmesan cheese garlic lemon zest and juice. Season this mixture with about a quarter teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well tasting it as you go and adjusting the seasoning until it feels balanced between savory and bright.

Wilt The Spinach:

In the last minute of cooking your pasta reserve a half cup of the starchy cooking water then add the spinach to the pot. Stir the leaves gently pushing them below the surface so they soften evenly in the hot water which only takes about a minute.

Combine And Finish:

Drain the pasta and spinach together returning them to the pot. Add your ricotta sauce and a portion of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the mixture. Stir gently ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed until you get a luscious texture.

Serve With Flair:

Serve the pasta right away topped with additional grated or shaved Parmesan cheese a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon wedges on the side if you want that fresh extra citrus pop.

My favorite part of this dish is the bright lemon aroma that fills the kitchen as you zest and juice it. It reminds me of the first time I made this for guests and watching their faces light up after the first bite. It feels like comfort and celebration on one plate.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within two days as fresh pasta can become gummy. When reheating add a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently on the stove to keep the creamy texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Try substituting kale or arugula for spinach if you want a different leafy green punch but adjust cooking time slightly since kale takes longer to soften. For a dairy-free option swap ricotta with a plant-based version and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Serving Ideas

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to echo the brightness of the pasta. A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and makes the meal more filling.

This dish brings together brightness and creaminess perfectly creating a quick satisfying meal you'll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Long shapes like spaghetti or linguine complement the creamy sauce well, but short pastas such as penne or fusilli also hold the sauce nicely.

→ How do I keep the spinach vibrant and tender?

Add fresh spinach to the pasta pot in the last cooking minute to soften it gently while maintaining its bright color and fresh flavor.

→ Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?

Starchy pasta water helps loosen the ricotta mixture and creates a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

→ Can I adjust the lemon flavor intensity?

Yes, you can increase or decrease lemon zest and juice according to your taste to achieve a balance of brightness and creaminess.

→ What are good toppings for extra flavor?

Grated or shaved Parmesan adds umami depth, while a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and optional red pepper flakes provide richness and subtle heat.