Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta – Creamy, Bright, and Weeknight-Ready

This Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that’s bursting with fresh flavor and creamy texture. Tender pasta is tossed with vibrant spinach, silky ricotta, and a hint of lemon for a light and satisfying meal that feels indulgent—without being heavy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a delicious way to enjoy comfort food with a refreshing twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Zesty – Bright lemon juice and zest cut through the creaminess for a light, balanced bite.
Creamy Without the Cream – Ricotta cheese gives the sauce richness without heaviness.
Veggie-Packed – Fresh spinach adds color, texture, and nutrients.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat or high-fiber pasta (penne, linguine, or your choice)
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Spinach
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Make the Ricotta Sauce
In a bowl, mix ricotta, lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve
Add drained pasta to the skillet with spinach. Remove from heat. Stir in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.

Garnish with more Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 310
Protein: 15g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Spinach – It wilts quickly and blends beautifully into the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water – It helps loosen and smooth the sauce without adding fat.
• Don’t Overcook Garlic – Keep it just golden to avoid bitterness.
• Add Protein If Desired – Grilled chicken or white beans work beautifully here.

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta dish delivers creaminess and brightness in every forkful, using ricotta as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. The lemon adds a refreshing zing, while spinach boosts the nutrition and color. It’s satisfying, wholesome, and ready in no time—everything a weeknight dinner should be.

Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. With just a few ingredients and a burst of citrusy flavor, it’s a nourishing, satisfying dish that proves healthy doesn’t mean boring. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again—for both flavor and simplicity.