This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a fresh and creamy dish that’s ready in less than 15 minutes! Made with simple ingredients like ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, and lemon, it’s light, zesty, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta is both satisfying and easy to customize with extra veggies or protein.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ½ lb (8 oz / 220g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli)

• 1 cup (9 oz / 250g) whole-milk ricotta

• 8 oz (230g) fresh baby spinach, washed

• ⅓ cup (35g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

• 1 unwaxed lemon, zest and juice

• 3 lemon wedges, to serve (optional)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

• 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and a good pinch of black pepper. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. In the last minute of the pasta’s cooking time, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then add the spinach to the pot. Stir well and submerge the spinach. After 1 minute, drain the pasta and spinach and return them to the pot.

4. Add the ricotta sauce and part of the reserved cooking water to the pasta. Stir well to coat everything evenly, adding more cooking water if needed for a smooth, creamy sauce.

5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is optional but delicious!

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, based on 3 servings)

• Calories: 538 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 64g

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 53mg

• Sodium: 314mg

• Potassium: 743mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 7661 IU

• Vitamin C: 41mg

• Calcium: 403mg

• Iron: 4mg

Why Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Is So Popular

The popularity of Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach comes from its irresistible blend of creamy comfort and lively freshness. Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, the ricotta offers a light, fluffy creaminess that feels indulgent without weighing you down. The addition of lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness, delivering a bright, clean flavor that makes each bite taste fresh and vibrant. Fresh spinach folds seamlessly into the dish, adding a boost of color, texture, and nutrition. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and reliably delicious, this pasta has become a go-to for home cooks seeking simple yet memorable meals.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable, speedy recipe like Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a lifesaver. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s ideal for nights when you crave a homemade meal but have little time to spare. While the pasta cooks, the ricotta sauce comes together effortlessly in one bowl. A quick toss with hot pasta and tender spinach transforms these simple elements into a complete meal in a matter of minutes. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and quality, proving that delicious home-cooked dinners don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Celebrating Fresh, Simple Ingredients

The heart of this pasta dish lies in its commitment to simple, fresh ingredients. High-quality ricotta provides a soft, creamy base with a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory Parmesan. Fresh baby spinach adds a pop of vibrant green color and a mild, earthy taste, enriching the dish with valuable nutrients. Lemon zest and juice lend brightness and a touch of acidity, lifting the flavors and adding a refreshing note that makes the dish sing. Olive oil and garlic round out the profile with a subtle richness and depth. This harmonious blend of ingredients proves that when you start with quality, less truly is more.

Adaptability and Flavor Variations

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a flexible recipe that invites endless customization. You can swap the spinach for other tender greens such as arugula, kale, or Swiss chard to vary the flavor and nutrient profile. For added protein, grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even chickpeas can be stirred into the pasta. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that balances the creamy sauce beautifully. For a nuttier twist, a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts makes a delightful topping. Even the pasta itself is adaptable; swap spaghetti or linguine for penne, fusilli, or gluten-free alternatives depending on your preference or pantry availability.

Nutritional Benefits

This pasta dish offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Ricotta cheese provides a rich source of protein and calcium, important for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and fiber, supporting everything from immune function to digestive health. Lemon juice brings a boost of vitamin C, helping to enhance iron absorption from the spinach while adding bright flavor. Using whole-wheat pasta or high-protein pasta options can further increase the fiber and protein content, making this a well-rounded meal that nourishes the body while satisfying the senses.

Tips for the Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A few small techniques can elevate this simple dish into something extraordinary. Always salt your pasta water generously to ensure the noodles are seasoned from within. Reserve some of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps to create a silky, cohesive sauce when mixed with the ricotta mixture. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best flavor and meltability. Zest the lemon before juicing it, as it’s much easier and ensures you capture all the fragrant oils. Finally, toss the pasta quickly with the sauce off the heat to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a satisfying dish on its own but can be paired beautifully with a variety of sides for a more elaborate meal. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly. A side of roasted asparagus, broccolini, or zucchini would add a lovely seasonal touch. For heartier appetites, crusty bread or garlic knots make excellent companions. A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio would pair wonderfully, highlighting the lemony brightness of the dish. However you choose to serve it, this pasta promises a meal full of comfort and sunshine.

Mediterranean Inspirations and Modern Appeal

While not a traditional Italian dish, Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach draws clear inspiration from Mediterranean culinary principles. Its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, balanced flavors, and simple preparation reflects the best aspects of Mediterranean cuisine. The use of olive oil, lemon, fresh greens, and cheese nods to a way of eating that prioritizes health, flavor, and the enjoyment of natural foods. In today’s world, where busy schedules often demand quick solutions without sacrificing quality, this recipe fits perfectly. It’s a modern classic that celebrates the timeless appeal of good food made with care and simplicity.

Reasons to Love Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

There are endless reasons to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation. It’s fast, coming together in just 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s light yet satisfying, offering the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and fresh vibrancy. It’s flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. It’s packed with nutrition, offering a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Most importantly, it’s delicious—comforting enough for a cozy night in yet elegant enough for serving to guests. This pasta is a reminder that sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that bring the most joy.

Conclusion

Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a delightful dish that proves quick, wholesome cooking can also be deeply flavorful and satisfying. With its creamy ricotta base, vibrant lemony brightness, and tender spinach folded into perfectly cooked pasta, every bite feels like a little burst of sunshine. Whether you’re racing against the clock on a busy weeknight or savoring a leisurely evening meal, this pasta delivers freshness, comfort, and versatility in every twirl. Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please, Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a recipe you’ll reach for again and again whenever you need a delicious meal in minutes.