Description of this recipe: This delightful Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. It combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the bright, zesty tang of lemon, creating a light yet satisfying sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Fresh spinach adds a touch of color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients and effortless cooking, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Why you will love this recipe: This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even beginner cooks can master this recipe with minimal effort. It requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Secondly, the flavor profile is outstanding. The combination of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and savory garlic creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both comforting and refreshing. The spinach adds a subtle earthiness that ties everything together. The dish is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding other vegetables, proteins, or spices. Feel free to substitute other greens like kale or arugula for the spinach. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage. And finally, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, everyone will love the creamy, flavorful goodness of this pasta dish.
Introduction
In the whirlwind of modern life, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can often feel like a daunting task. We are constantly bombarded with demands on our time and energy, making it tempting to reach for convenience foods or order takeout. However, nourishing our bodies with wholesome, home-cooked meals is essential for our overall well-being. That’s where simple, flavorful recipes like this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach come to the rescue.
This recipe is designed to be a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. It leverages the natural flavors of fresh ingredients, requiring minimal cooking skills and prep time. The creamy ricotta sauce, infused with the bright zest and juice of lemon, is a revelation in its simplicity. The addition of sautéed garlic and wilted spinach elevates the dish to another level, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
This pasta dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, and garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. By incorporating these wholesome ingredients into a quick and easy recipe, you can nourish your body and soul without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, ditch the takeout menu and embrace the joy of home cooking with this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach. It’s a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal that will quickly become a staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or rotini) – The shape doesn’t matter too much, but something with ridges or twists will hold the sauce better.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese – Full fat ricotta is best for a creamier sauce, but part-skim will work too. Make sure it’s fresh and smooth.
- Zest of 1 large lemon – This adds a bright, aromatic flavor to the ricotta mixture. Use a microplane grater to get the zest without the bitter white pith.
- Juice of 1/2 to 1 large lemon (depending on taste) – Start with half the juice and add more to taste. The lemon juice balances the richness of the ricotta.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped – Baby spinach is a good option because it’s tender and doesn’t require as much cooking.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil adds a fruity flavor and helps to sauté the garlic and spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor.
- Salt, to taste – Season generously to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving – Parmesan adds a salty, savory element to the dish.
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional), for garnish – Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta as it cooks, enhancing its flavor.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unappetizing.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix well to combine. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preference. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little more lemon juice.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. The spinach will shrink down significantly as it cooks.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained (reserving the pasta water), add it to the skillet with the spinach and garlic.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the spinach and garlic.
Step 5: Add the Ricotta Mixture and Serve:
- Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta and spinach. Toss again until the pasta is evenly coated with the ricotta mixture.
- If needed, add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency. The pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach as a main course or a side dish.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- This pasta is also delicious served cold as a pasta salad.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is the way to go!
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 450 Protein: 20g Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques can yield incredibly delicious and satisfying meals. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need a healthy and flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The creamy ricotta sauce, infused with the bright zest and juice of lemon, creates a light and refreshing flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table. The addition of spinach adds a touch of color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and easy to customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, vegetables, and proteins to create your own unique version of this classic dish. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and effortless meal that will nourish your body and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
A: While fresh basil adds a vibrant aroma and flavor to the dish, you can certainly use dried basil if that’s all you have on hand. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. Keep in mind that dried herbs tend to be more potent than fresh, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. For the best flavor, rub the dried basil between your fingers before adding it to the dish to release its oils.
Q2: What other vegetables can I add to this pasta?
A: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can easily add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Some great options include:
- Asparagus: Blanched or sautéed asparagus spears add a touch of spring flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets add a boost of nutrients and a satisfying texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
- Peas: Frozen peas are a convenient and nutritious addition. Simply add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory, earthy flavor.
Q3: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
A: While this pasta is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and prepare the ricotta mixture in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply sauté the garlic and spinach, then combine all the ingredients in the skillet. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little more pasta cooking water to loosen it up. It’s not recommended to store the entire dish already assembled as the pasta can become mushy and the sauce can separate.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
A: While ricotta cheese is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses if necessary. Some good options include:
- Mascarpone: Mascarpone is a rich, creamy Italian cheese that will add a luxurious texture to the sauce.
- Goat cheese: Goat cheese will add a tangy, slightly acidic flavor.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese can be used in a pinch, but it will result in a thicker, heavier sauce.
- Cottage cheese: Blended cottage cheese can be used for a lower-fat option. Be sure to blend it until smooth to avoid any lumps.
Keep in mind that each cheese will have a slightly different flavor profile, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q5: How can I make this pasta vegan?
A: To make this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach vegan, you’ll need to substitute the ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative. Some good options include:
- Cashew ricotta: Soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then blend them with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt to create a creamy, ricotta-like texture.
- Tofu ricotta: Crumble firm or extra-firm tofu and mix it with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt to create a similar texture to ricotta.
- Store-bought vegan ricotta: There are several brands of vegan ricotta available in most grocery stores.
Be sure to use vegan Parmesan cheese for garnish, or omit it altogether. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
