If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from Italy, the Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This delightful pasta dish brings together creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon in perfect harmony, creating a bright and luscious sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Not only is it packed with wonderful textures and layers of flavor, but it also comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that never compromises on taste or elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe so irresistible is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the ricotta lends creaminess, the lemon adds fresh brightness, and the spinach brings a lovely earthiness and vibrant green color that makes the dish pop.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand for perfectly al dente pasta that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the sauce; room temperature is best for easy blending.
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced): Provides lively citrus notes that brighten up the whole dish.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation for sautéing garlic and spinach, contributing a smooth, fruity flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic depth that wakes up your taste buds.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor plus vibrant greenery and nutrition.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth that balances the lemon’s tartness.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat with your creaminess.
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water: This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving: Gives a nutty, savory finish that elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
How to Make Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining — this liquid gold is the secret to creating a smooth, creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just about 30 seconds until it becomes marvelously fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. Then toss in the roughly chopped spinach and sauté until it’s just wilted and still vibrant green — all the freshness packed in here is so worth it.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to low and mix in the ricotta cheese along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’ve decided to use them. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. This step really brings out a luscious texture with bright, tangy flavor notes that make this Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe pop off the plate.
Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet with your sauce. Gently toss everything together so every strand is coated in that creamy, lemony goodness. To loosen things up and get that perfect silky consistency, pour in the reserved pasta water slowly while stirring. Finish by folding in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory richness.
How to Serve Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pasta with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few more twists of freshly cracked black pepper. If you have any fresh herbs like basil or parsley, toss a small handful for a burst of herbal brightness and gorgeous color contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete for attention. A crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette complements the pasta’s creamy tang, while some warm, crusty bread is perfect to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate the spaghetti in neat twirls using tongs or a carving fork. Serve in shallow bowls so you can savor all the creamy sauce with each bite. You could also add a few lemon slices on the side for a fresh aroma and a pop of color that is both pretty and appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors might deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh.
Freezing
Since ricotta-based sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen, freezing this pasta is not ideal. If you must freeze, try doing so without tossing the pasta in sauce—freeze the ricotta sauce separately and combine when reheating.
Reheating
When warming up leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the delicate flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat ricotta for this recipe?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that whole milk ricotta adds a richer and creamier texture. Low-fat versions might make the sauce slightly less decadent, but it will still be delicious and lighter.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based creamy cheese or blended tofu, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and ensure your pasta contains no eggs. The lemon and spinach remain beautifully flavorful.
How do I prevent the spinach from getting soggy?
Cook the spinach just until it wilts—this usually takes less than 2 minutes. Overcooking will cause it to release too much water and become mushy, which can dilute the sauce.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta complement the Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe beautifully, turning it into a more filling meal.
What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic here, but you can experiment with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. The key is to use a pasta shape that holds the sauce well for maximum flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe is one of those magical meals that delivers comfort, freshness, and elegance all at once. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, its creamy texture and bright flavors will quickly make it a treasured staple in your kitchen. Dive in and enjoy cooking and sharing this gem—you absolutely cannot go wrong.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant and creamy Ricotta Spinach Lemon Spaghetti is a perfect quick and healthy Italian-inspired dish combining al dente spaghetti with fresh spinach, tangy lemon, and rich whole milk ricotta cheese to create a luscious, flavorful meal suitable for vegetarians.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until combined and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Adjust Consistency and Finish: Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred creamy consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, use whole milk ricotta and let it come to room temperature before mixing.
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to increase the protein content for a heartier dish.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice mild heat and complexity.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
