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
Scale
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.
