Description
A bright, comforting, and fuss-free pasta dish featuring a silky lemon ricotta sauce that coats every bite of pasta, finished with fresh spinach for balance and color.
Ingredients
- 400g pasta of choice
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and keep warm.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Add the fresh spinach to the bowl or directly to the warm pasta so it gently wilts.
- Add the hot pasta to the ricotta mixture.
- Pour in a small amount of reserved pasta water and toss until the sauce becomes silky and coats the pasta.
- Add more pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Use hot pasta and add pasta water gradually to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. This dish is best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired