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Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Creamy fettuccine pasta with fresh spinach, tangy lemon, and rich ricotta cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
Sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese room temperature
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 cups baby spinach fresh
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and begins to foam.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add spinach and toss until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan until smooth.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with spinach, tossing to combine evenly.
  7. Remove from heat and add ricotta mixture, tossing quickly to create creamy sauce coating the pasta.
  8. If sauce seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  10. Serve immediately topped with remaining Parmesan, fresh parsley, and black pepper.

Notes

Use room temperature ricotta for smoothest sauce. Remove pan from heat before adding ricotta to prevent graininess. Pasta water helps achieve perfect creamy consistency.