Description
A bright and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh spinach, tangy lemon, and smooth ricotta cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, plus more if needed
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach, then add the ricotta mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: Italian-American