This creamy, tangy, and fresh pasta dish delivers bright citrus flavor balanced by smooth ricotta cheese and tender spinach. It’s a simple vegetarian meal that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a light lunch.

📝 Introduction

Lemon and ricotta are a match made in culinary heaven. The light acidity of lemon juice and zest cuts through the creaminess of ricotta, creating a silky sauce that coats each strand of pasta beautifully. Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness, while Parmesan and olive oil bring everything together. This pasta is a Mediterranean-inspired delight that pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a side salad.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌿 Fresh & Bright: Lemon zest and juice elevate the flavors.
🧀 Creamy Yet Light: Ricotta provides a luscious texture without being heavy.
🍋 Quick & Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes.
🥬 Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with greens and protein from ricotta.

🥘 Ingredients

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

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Toss the hot pasta with the ricotta mixture, adding small amounts of reserved pasta water until a creamy sauce forms.
Stir in the sautéed spinach and season generously with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately with extra lemon zest for garnish.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic breadsticks or a mixed green salad.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.

💡 Tips & Variations

Substitute arugula or kale for spinach if desired.
For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
Swap ricotta for mascarpone for a richer sauce.