Description
A bright and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh spinach, tangy lemon, and creamy ricotta cheese. Quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy and combined.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: Italian-American