Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon ricotta pasta & spinach

Bright, creamy, and ready in just 20 minutes, this Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach is the perfect easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, and vegetarian pasta recipe. Creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, Parmesan, and vibrant lemon come together to create a silky sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, simple comfort food, or an easy recipe for busy nights, this pasta is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ pound (8 oz/220 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 8 oz fresh baby spinach
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic until smooth.
  4. Wilt the spinach in a large skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach.
  6. Stir in the ricotta mixture.
  7. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes creamy and silky.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper.
  9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Reserve plenty of pasta water for the creamiest sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh lemon for the best flavor.
  • Add pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
  • Author: Emmy Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Keywords: Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach, lemon ricotta pasta, creamy ricotta pasta, spinach pasta recipe, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, quick weeknight dinner, Italian-inspired pasta, lemon pasta recipe, healthy pasta dinner, creamy spinach pasta, simple dinner ideas, meatless pasta recipe, homemade pasta, easy family dinner