For an extra layer of flavor, toast a handful of pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant. Sprinkle them over the finished pasta just before serving. Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key to achieving the perfect texture in this dish. The pasta should have a slight bite to it. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-grated cheese, as it often contains cellulose and doesn't melt as smoothly. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dish, add more lemon; for a more subtle flavor, use less. This pasta is best served immediately. If you need to make it ahead of time, toss the pasta with a little extra olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Reheat gently and add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce before serving.
Lemon, Ricotta, and Spinach Pasta
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME10 mins
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TOTAL TIME30 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS26
Indulge in the bright and creamy embrace of this Lemon, Ricotta, and Spinach Pasta. A simple yet elegant dish where vibrant lemon zest meets the richness of ricotta and the freshness of spinach, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Perfect as a light lunch, a delightful side, or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate60 g
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Cholesterol15 mg
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Fiber5 g
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Protein14 g
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Saturated Fat5 g
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Sodium420 mg
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Sugar8 g
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Fat19 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepBring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-12 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining. Return the cooked pasta to the pot. (Prep time: 2 minutes. Cook time: 8-12 minutes)
02
StepWhile the pasta cooks, prepare the ricotta sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick (optional). (Prep time: 5 minutes)
03
StepAdd the ricotta mixture and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the drained pasta. Toss gently but thoroughly, allowing the sauce to emulsify and coat each strand. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a luscious, creamy consistency. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
04
StepPlace the fresh spinach in a colander. Carefully pour the remaining hot reserved pasta water over the spinach to wilt it slightly. This quick blanching method helps retain the spinach's vibrant color and nutrients. Immediately add the wilted spinach to the pasta and gently toss to combine. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
05
StepDivide the Lemon, Ricotta, and Spinach Pasta into individual serving bowls. Garnish each serving with a thin slice of lemon, a scattering of fresh basil leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of lemon zest, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately and savor the symphony of flavors! (Prep time: 5 minutes)
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Danial Corwin
Jun 25, 2025I tried it with gluten-free pasta and it was still amazing! A great option for those with dietary restrictions.
King Ryan
Jun 16, 2025I'm not usually a fan of vegetarian pasta dishes, but this one is a game-changer. The flavors are so bright and fresh!
Braulio Gerhold
Jun 15, 2025The crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. I will definitely be making this again!
Dino Batz
May 3, 2025So easy and quick to make, perfect for a weeknight meal. My kids loved it!
Ayden Hamill
Apr 4, 2025Absolutely delicious! The lemon and ricotta combination is heavenly. I added some grilled chicken for extra protein and it was a hit!