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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Enjoy this quick Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach, a vibrant weeknight dinner ready in just 15 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta Use your favorite shape like spaghetti or penne.
For the Ricotta Sauce
  • 15 oz Whole-Milk Ricotta Provides a creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated adds depth.
  • 1 each Lemon (Zest and Juice) Aim for an unwaxed lemon.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adds richness.
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced; can use powder.
  • to taste Salt Essential seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential seasoning.
For the Greens
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Adds nutrients and vibrant color.
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1 cup Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, or Chickpeas) Add for substance.
  • 1 cup Vegetables (Cherry Tomatoes or Zucchini) Mix in for variety.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your favorite pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine whole-milk ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. One minute before the pasta is finished cooking, gently toss in the washed baby spinach and allow it to wilt briefly.
  4. Carefully drain the pasta and spinach in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
  5. Return the drained pasta and spinach back to the pot. Add the ricotta sauce and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the pasta is coated and creamy.
  6. Dish out the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Optional: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper for heat. Use freshly grated parmesan and unwaxed lemons for best flavor.

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