Description
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a bright and creamy vegetarian dish that combines al dente spaghetti with a smooth blend of whole-milk ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and zesty lemon. Enhanced with garlic, crushed red pepper, and fresh baby spinach, this quick and easy meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner made from simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
Sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Vegetables
- 1 (5-ounce) container baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it covered to retain heat.
- Prepare the Ricotta Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the whole-milk ricotta, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic cloves, lemon zest and juice, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Spinach: Add the ricotta sauce, ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, and baby spinach to the cooked pasta in the pot. Set the pot over low heat and gently cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is absorbed slightly by the pasta and the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes. Add additional pasta water gradually as needed to achieve a creamy consistency that coats the pasta nicely.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a zesty, vegetarian, quick weeknight meal made with simple pantry staples and ready in just 20 minutes!
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect creamy sauce consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 431 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 447 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg
