If you’re searching for a pasta dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate yet bursts with fresh, lively flavors, look no further than this Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that combines creamy ricotta, bright lemon, and tender spinach with perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a harmony of taste and texture that’s both simple and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe shines with its balance of richness and zest, making it one of my all-time favorites to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is delightfully straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in delivering the dish’s unique flavor, texture, and color. From the garlic’s aroma to the brightness of fresh lemon zest, every element contributes its own magic.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Choose good-quality pasta for the best texture and to hold the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing the garlic and spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, savory depth right from the start.
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach: Provides vibrant green color and a tender leafy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star that makes the sauce luscious and silky without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that amps up the umami.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Gives a bright, citrusy fragrance that wakes up the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to balance the creaminess perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you enjoy a little spice.
- Reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps to loosen the sauce so it clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti.
How to Make Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by cooking the spaghetti in generously salted boiling water until al dente – that perfect texture where the pasta is firm but tender. Be sure to save a cup of that pasta water before draining, as it holds starch that will help bring your sauce together beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
While the pasta is cooking, warm the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds – this prevents it from burning and turning bitter. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, softening just enough but still retaining its bright green color. Remove the mixture from heat to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Lemon Sauce
In a spacious bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This combination is what gives the dish its creamy yet zesty personality, melding comfort with freshness in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the hot cooked spaghetti and sautéed spinach into the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together so the noodles get fully coated in the creamy sauce. Then, slowly stir in reserved pasta water little by little. This step is where the sauce transforms into an irresistibly silky coating that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring every component is in perfect balance.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Plate your creation immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the flavors at their brightest. Feel free to sprinkle more Parmesan or a dash of lemon zest on top for that final flourish.
How to Serve Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes elevate this dish to something special and personalized. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese lends extra nuttiness, while a pinch of lemon zest brightens up each forkful. For a pop of color and a touch of texture, adding toasted pine nuts or cracked black pepper works wonders.
Side Dishes
This Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and refreshing. Garlic bread or warm focaccia provides a lovely contrasting crunch, perfect for dipping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try serving the spaghetti in individual shallow bowls with an extra dollop of ricotta on top and a lemon wedge on the side. You can also drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil infused with herbs over the plate to add another layer of flavor and an elegant touch. Simple edible flowers can make each plate visually irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days. The flavors deepen nicely but the spinach may wilt further, so keep that in mind for texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Because of the dairy content, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the ricotta from breaking apart and becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach in this Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before sautéing to avoid a watery sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe isn’t vegan due to the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, but you could experiment with plant-based ricotta and vegan Parmesan alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta complement the dish wonderfully and add a hearty element.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Adjust the consistency by adding more or less reserved pasta water. For thicker sauce, use less water; for thinner, add a splash more until you reach your ideal creaminess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by swapping regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe is one of those gems that feels both indulgent and bright, creamy yet fresh, and endlessly comforting. It’s perfect for when you want something quick but special, something easy but impressive. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how delightful and versatile this simple Italian-inspired dish can be.
Print
Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti is a creamy, zesty pasta dish blending fresh baby spinach, ricotta cheese, and bright lemon flavors. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it offers a delicious vegetarian main course that balances richness with freshness, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Veggies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the fresh baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to create a creamy sauce base.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Spinach: Add the hot cooked spaghetti and the sautéed spinach mixture to the bowl with the ricotta sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to the pasta mixture until the sauce reaches the desired creamy texture and consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added brightness.
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to include extra protein and turn this into a heartier meal.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated with a splash of water to maintain its creamy consistency.
