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Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

A fresh, creamy pasta dish with ricotta, lemon, and spinach—quick, light, and perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 large lemon zest and juice
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Zester

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  2. Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
  3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
  4. Mix ricotta, lemon zest, juice, and half Parmesan in a bowl.
  5. Toss pasta with ricotta mixture, adding pasta water to create a sauce.
  6. Stir in spinach, season with salt and pepper.
  7. Top with remaining Parmesan and extra lemon zest before serving.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Adjust lemon juice to taste for brightness.