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Zesty Lemon Ricotta and Spinach Pasta

A quick and delightful pasta dish featuring ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a zesty lemon kick, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or your favorite kind)
Ricotta Mixture
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese the creamy dream of every pasta dish!
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest for that fresh kick
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice the zing is real!
Vegetable Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh spinach gotta get those greens in, right?
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Ingredients
  • grated Parmesan cheese optional but delicious!

Method
 

Boil the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
Mix the Ricotta Magic
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and stir until creamy.
Sauté the Spinach
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
Combine It All
  1. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water. Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the spinach and stir in the ricotta mixture. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Plate your pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For variations, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.