Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach – A Creamy Weeknight Wonder
When life gets busy and you need a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach becomes your ultimate weeknight hero. This creamy, indulgent pasta dish combines the brightness of fresh lemon with rich, velvety ricotta cheese and nutrient-packed spinach, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the ricotta, while the wilted spinach adds both color and nutritional value to every bite. What makes this dish truly special is how quickly it comes together – in just 20 minutes, you can have a satisfying, creamy pasta that feels both elegant and comforting.
This pasta recipe has become a staple in kitchens across the country because it strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and accessibility. You don’t need any exotic ingredients or complicated techniques – just fresh, quality components that work harmoniously together. The ricotta creates an incredibly creamy sauce without the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces, making it lighter yet still indulgent.
The versatility of this dish is another reason it’s gained such popularity. While delicious on its own, you can easily customize it by adding grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or pine nuts. The base recipe provides a fantastic foundation that welcomes creative additions based on your preferences or what you have available in your refrigerator.
From a nutritional standpoint, this pasta offers more than just comfort. The spinach provides iron, folate, and vitamins A and K, while the ricotta contributes protein and calcium. The lemon not only adds incredible flavor but also provides vitamin C and helps your body absorb the iron from the spinach more effectively.
The preparation method ensures that every element of the dish maintains its integrity. The pasta cooks to perfect al dente texture, the spinach wilts just enough to become tender without losing its vibrant color, and the ricotta mixture creates a silky sauce that coats each strand beautifully. The key is timing – adding each component at the right moment to achieve the ideal consistency and flavor balance.
This recipe works wonderfully for various occasions, from casual family dinners to entertaining guests. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a Tuesday night meal. The presentation is naturally beautiful, with the bright green spinach contrasting against the creamy white sauce and golden pasta, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 1/4 cup juice)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and begins to foam slightly.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and toss gently until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained hot pasta to the skillet with spinach, tossing to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Remove skillet from heat and add the ricotta mixture, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to balance flavors.
- Serve immediately in warmed bowls, topped with remaining Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and additional black pepper if desired.
Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and begins to foam.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add spinach and toss until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan until smooth.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with spinach, tossing to combine evenly.
- Remove from heat and add ricotta mixture, tossing quickly to create creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- If sauce seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve immediately topped with remaining Parmesan, fresh parsley, and black pepper.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
The secret to achieving the perfect creamy consistency lies in the temperature control and timing. Always remove the pan from heat before adding the ricotta mixture to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating. The residual heat from the pasta and pan will be sufficient to warm the ricotta without compromising its smooth texture.
Using room temperature ricotta is crucial for easy mixing and prevents lumps in your final sauce. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can quickly bring it to room temperature by placing the container in warm water for a few minutes.
The pasta cooking water is your secret weapon for achieving the ideal sauce consistency. The starchy water helps bind the ricotta to the pasta and creates that glossy, restaurant-quality finish. Don’t skip this step – it makes a noticeable difference in the final result.
When selecting spinach, opt for baby spinach leaves as they’re more tender and wilt more evenly than mature spinach. If you only have regular spinach available, remove the thick stems and roughly chop the leaves before adding them to the pan.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest consistency. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore the creamy texture, as the sauce may thicken when chilled.
For meal prep enthusiasts, you can prepare the ricotta mixture up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This actually allows the lemon flavor to develop more fully, creating an even more delicious final dish.
Consider pairing this pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the bright lemon flavors beautifully. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette provides a nice peppery contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish provides a well-rounded nutritional profile that goes beyond simple comfort food. The spinach delivers folate, iron, and antioxidants, while the ricotta provides high-quality protein and calcium for bone health. The lemon adds vitamin C and natural flavor without additional calories.
The moderate portion of pasta provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates, making this meal both satisfying and nourishing. By using ricotta instead of heavy cream, you’re reducing the overall caloric content while still achieving that beloved creamy texture.
