Description
Bright, creamy, and irresistibly fresh, this Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a weeknight dinner dream. Bursting with lemon zest and garlic, layered with silky ricotta, and balanced by the earthiness of spinach, it’s a light yet luscious pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, healthy food options, or simple meatless recipes, this easy pasta checks all the boxes. Perfect for spring evenings or cozy comfort any time of year, this is one of those go-to meals that feels like a treat every time. Great for quick meals, healthy snacks, or casual dinner ideas!
Ingredients
16 oz spaghetti
1 cup ricotta cheese
5 oz fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra lemon zest and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality ricotta for the creamiest results.
Leftover pasta can be revived with a splash of milk or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta, lemon ricotta, healthy meals, weeknight dinner