Description
Simple creamy and so refreshing, this Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a 20 minute meal that is so effortless. A comforting and cozy bowl of pasta with a pop of citrus flavor in rich creamy ricotta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz. short pasta (rotini, cavatappi, medium shells, or penne)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- 3 oz chopped baby spinach
- 1 – 1 ½ cups reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Step 2: While waiting for water to boil, whisk together the ricotta, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, and seasoning in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for about one minute.
- Step 4: Reserve at least a cup and a half of pasta water before draining; add the lemon ricotta mixture to the saucepan, heat while whisking, and stir in 1/2 cup of reserved water to thin the sauce.
- Step 5: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot along with the baby spinach.
- Step 6: Pour the lemon ricotta sauce over the pasta and spinach, tossing until evenly coated and the spinach is wilted.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley or basil on top.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days. When reheating, stir in a splash of milk or olive oil if the sauce has dried up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 414 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg
Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, 20 minute meal, vegetarian pasta