Looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and surprisingly light? This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a fantastic choice. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and the bright lemon flavor combined with creamy ricotta makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special.
Ingredients Needed
- 12 ounces pasta (like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step By Step Making
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which should only take a couple of minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Value
A typical serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Protein: 20g
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 55g
Health Benefits
This pasta dish offers several health benefits. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for bone health and muscle repair. Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and support overall well-being. The lemon adds vitamin C and can aid digestion.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
