When it comes to quick yet satisfying meals, pasta is always a top contender. Add a touch of creaminess, some leafy greens, and a burst of citrus, and you’ve got something truly special. Enter Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta—a dish that balances rich creaminess with refreshing brightness. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
This recipe combines tender pasta with ricotta cheese for a silky texture, fresh spinach for a boost of nutrition, and lemon zest and juice for that irresistible zesty kick. The result? A light yet comforting meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight hero.
- Fresh & Creamy: Ricotta cheese delivers creaminess without the weight of a traditional Alfredo-style sauce.
- Nutritious: Spinach adds vitamins, minerals, and a pop of green.
- Customizable: Works with any pasta shape and pairs well with chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or toasted pine nuts for garnish
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
3. Add Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.
6. Finish and Serve
Toss everything together until creamy and well combined. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or toasted pine nuts. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
This pasta delivers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats while staying light and refreshing.
Presentation and Serving Tips
- Restaurant-Style Finish: Swirl long pasta into a nest on the plate, then top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh lemon zest.
- Family Style: Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to a large serving bowl for easy sharing.
- Pairings: Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Add a side of garlic bread or a simple arugula salad for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted salmon for extra protein.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Keep it as-is, or add roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for more veggies.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pine nuts for added texture.
- Herb Upgrade: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can bring more layers of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle heat that complements the lemon.
Tips for Success
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy water is key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright flavor—fresh zest and juice make all the difference.
- Whole Milk Ricotta: For the creamiest texture, go for whole milk ricotta rather than part-skim.
- Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add it just until wilted so it stays vibrant and fresh.
Why Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Belongs in Your Rotation
This pasta is the definition of balance: light yet comforting, creamy yet refreshing, simple yet elegant. It’s a dish that works just as well for a busy Tuesday night as it does for a weekend dinner party. The ricotta creates a luxurious texture, while the lemon keeps things bright and lively. Spinach ties it all together with freshness and nutrition.
For those looking to elevate their weeknight meals without adding extra stress, this recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is proof that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most satisfying meals. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that’s creamy, zesty, and utterly delicious. Perfect for when you need a quick dinner that still feels special, this pasta will easily become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Serve it hot, pair it with your favorite wine, and enjoy a meal that’s fresh, comforting, and full of flavor.