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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Discover the refreshing and creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach, a delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta e.g., spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli
For the Sauce
  • 15 ounces Whole-Milk Ricotta or low-fat options
  • 1 whole Lemon (Zest and Juice)
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil light oil works too
  • 2 cloves Garlic or roasted garlic for milder flavor
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper
For the Greens
  • 5 ounces Fresh Baby Spinach or substitute with kale or arugula

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander
  • Whisk or fork

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve pasta water before draining.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan, and garlic. Zest the lemon and add juice, then season with salt and pepper. Mix until creamy.
  3. Add spinach to the pasta pot during the last minute of cooking. Stir gently until wilted, then drain pasta and spinach together, keeping some cooking water.
  4. Return pasta and spinach to the pot over low heat. Pour in the ricotta sauce and add pasta water until creamy. Toss to coat.
  5. Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 14gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water.

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