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Creamy, lemony, and full of flavor, this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without being complicated. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.

The magic of this dish is in the ricotta. When stirred into hot pasta with a splash of pasta water and bright lemon juice, it turns into a velvety, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle. Fresh spinach wilts into the warmth, adding nutrients and color without overpowering the gentle, creamy tang.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

This pasta is for those who appreciate simplicity with elegance. It has the comfort of a creamy sauce but skips the heaviness of butter and cream. The ricotta provides a mellow richness, while lemon brings freshness that cuts through beautifully. Plus, you get your greens in every bite thanks to the spinach.

It’s vegetarian, quick to make, and endlessly customizable. Whether you want to top it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or simply some cracked pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s versatile enough to meet your mood.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Ricotta Sauce?

Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce well in their grooves and spirals. But long pastas like fettuccine or spaghetti also work wonderfully, especially when twirled with the creamy ricotta mixture. The key is to use pasta with a bit of texture or shape so the sauce sticks nicely.

Ingredients for the Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

For this recipe, you only need a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together with ease.

Pasta
Choose your favorite shape—penne and rigatoni are great, but spaghetti works too. It serves as the foundation and absorbs all the lemony, creamy goodness.

Ricotta cheese
This is the heart of the sauce. Go for whole milk ricotta if you want extra creaminess. It transforms with lemon and pasta water into a smooth, luxurious coating.

Lemon
You’ll need both the juice and the zest. Lemon brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness of the cheese.

Spinach
Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly into the pasta and gives the dish a healthy, earthy balance. Frozen spinach works too, just squeeze out excess moisture.

Garlic
Just a clove or two brings a warm, aromatic kick that complements the lemon and cheese.

Olive oil
Used to sauté the garlic and coat the pasta. Choose a good quality extra virgin variety for added depth.

Parmesan cheese
Optional, but adds a salty, umami finish that ties the whole dish together beautifully.

Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

How To Make the Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to brown it.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add the spinach to the skillet and toss until just wilted. This usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add it in and stir until heated through.

Step 4: Make the Ricotta Sauce

In a bowl, combine ricotta, lemon juice, zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly stir in a bit of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen the mixture and make it creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach. Pour the ricotta mixture over it and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

How to Serve and Store Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

This recipe comfortably feeds four people as a main course. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can dry out the pasta.

What to Serve With Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach?

Garlic Bread

The crunchy, buttery texture of garlic bread makes the perfect partner for creamy pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil dressed with balsamic glaze complement the lemony ricotta beautifully.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus spears bring earthiness and crunch.

Grilled Chicken

For extra protein, grilled chicken adds a savory touch without overpowering the pasta.

Zucchini Noodles

A fun, low-carb side that also plays nicely with lemon and cheese flavors.

Tomato Basil Soup

A cozy bowl of soup balances the creamy pasta and rounds out the meal.

Crusty Sourdough

Great for swiping up every last bit of that luscious ricotta sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach, you might want to try these creative and cozy recipes next:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a tangy tomato spin.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed upgrade.
• One-Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta when you need a no-fuss flavor bomb.
• One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a hearty twist.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you want a spicy kick.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can revisit it anytime.

And don’t forget to share how yours turned out in the comments. Did you add herbs or chili flakes? Maybe a dollop of pesto? I’d love to hear your spin on it.

Explore fresh and flavorful pasta ideas and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. It’s a great place to discover healthy, hearty meals you’ll actually want to cook.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is that rare dish that feels indulgent but is packed with goodness. It comes together quickly, tastes bright and comforting, and lets you play with whatever you have on hand. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or just a craving for something creamy and zesty without the fuss.

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