Craving a dish that’s both decadent and effortlessly quick? Look no further than our Ultra Quick Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach! This delightful Italian recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant meal that bursts with flavor in just 20 minutes. Imagine twirling your fork through creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're a busy professional or a culinary novice, this dish promises to impress with minimal effort. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 200g of your favorite pasta, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 lemon (for zesting and juicing), 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy lemon sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the zest of the lemon, and the juice of the lemon. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta, stirring gently to combine.
- Incorporate the fresh spinach into the pasta, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- To serve, plate the creamy lemon ricotta pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your Ultra Quick Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach while it's warm!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, consider using something like fettuccine or penne for a heartier bite that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Perfect Your Lemon Zest: When zesting your lemon, make sure to only take the yellow part of the skin. The white pith underneath can add a bitter taste, so zest carefully!
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon! It helps to loosen the sauce and adds a bit of starch, making it cling better to the pasta.
- Fresh Spinach is Key: Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen for the best texture and flavor. It wilts quickly and adds a beautiful color to your dish.
- Customize Your Cheese: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to store leftovers, add a splash of olive oil before refrigerating to help maintain the creamy texture.
- Garnish for Presentation: A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
