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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Julia
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is creamy, zesty, and ready in just 20 minutes! A quick and easy weeknight dinner made with ricotta, lemon, spinach, and Parmesan. Perfect for busy families!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 2 servings
Calories 794 kcal

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INGREDIENTS
  

  • ½ pound spaghetti, or other fave pasta
  • 7 ounces whole-milk ricotta
  • cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, + more for serving
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 3 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and return the pasta to the pot, covering it to keep warm.
    ½ pound spaghetti, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Blend the sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine ricotta, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
    7 ounces whole-milk ricotta, ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoon olive oil, 3 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1 garlic cloves
  • Combine everything: Pour the ricotta sauce into a skillet or Dutch oven, then add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and baby spinach. Toss in the cooked pasta, set over low heat, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce and the spinach wilts. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
    7 ounces whole-milk ricotta, 3 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • Serve and enjoy: Dish up the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley if you like. Serve immediately!
    fresh parsley

NOTES

  • To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze. Not recommended, as ricotta-based sauces can separate when thawed.
  • To Reheat. Gently warm pasta on the stovetop with a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to maintain creaminess.

NUTRITION

Calories: 794kcalCarbohydrates: 95gProtein: 33gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 693mgPotassium: 646mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4600IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 476mgIron: 3mg

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