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- 8 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta variety - 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped - 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Gathering these ingredients is easy. I love using fresh spinach for its bright color and taste. The creamy ricotta brings a rich texture that pairs well with the lemon. You can choose any pasta you like, but spaghetti adds a nice touch. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it refreshing. You can find the full recipe above for detailed steps on how to bring everything together. When you have all these ingredients ready, you can create a tasty meal in just 10 minutes. Cooking this 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is simple. Let’s break it down step by step. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add 2 finely minced garlic cloves and cook until aromatic. - Introduce 1 cup of coarsely chopped spinach, sautéing until it wilts. - Reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup of creamy ricotta cheese. - Add the juice and zest of 1 medium lemon. - Mix well, adding reserved pasta water for a creamy texture. - Add the drained pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly. - Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. - Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. For the full recipe, you can check out the complete guide to this dish. Enjoy your cooking! To get the sauce just right, use the reserved pasta water. This water holds starch, which helps thicken the sauce. Start by adding a little, then mix. Keep adding more until it feels creamy. Always taste your dish. Adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste. You want it to be perfect for you. Not all pasta has to be the same. You can try whole wheat pasta for a heartier bite. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you need it. For cheese, mix it up! Cottage cheese gives a nice texture. Goat cheese adds a tangy kick. Don’t be afraid to use what you have on hand. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can change the dish. You can also play with herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can really brighten the flavors. Let your taste buds guide you! This dish is ready for your creative touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_4}} Adding your own twist to the 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach makes it even more fun. Here are some tasty ideas. You can make this dish even more colorful. Adding peas or cherry tomatoes brings a fresh pop of color and extra nutrients. These vegetables cook quickly and blend well with the creamy sauce. You might also try sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. They add heartiness and earthy flavors. Just cook them until soft, then mix them in. Want to make your pasta more filling? Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost. Both options add flavor and texture. If you prefer a vegetarian choice, use chickpeas. They offer a great source of protein and blend well with the dish. Just toss them in at the end to warm through. You can adjust the creaminess of your pasta. If you want a richer sauce, add more ricotta. For a lighter dish, use less. You can also swap some ricotta for a plant-based alternative. This makes it a great vegan option. Just ensure the substitute has a nice creaminess to keep the sauce smooth. Using these variations lets you customize the dish to your taste. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that pasta may absorb the sauce over time. This can change the texture and flavor a bit. If you want to freeze it, portion the pasta into small containers. This way, you can reheat only what you need. Make sure to thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps keep the taste and texture nice. When it’s time to reheat, do it gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave because it can heat unevenly and change the texture. Enjoy your pasta just like it was fresh! The entire recipe takes approximately 10 minutes of active cooking time. This quick dish is perfect for busy days. Yes, you can omit spinach or replace it with another leafy green like kale. Both options will still taste great. Any pasta type works, such as fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free alternatives. Choose what you like best. Yes, but it’s best to store the sauce and pasta separately for optimal freshness. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Yes, the recipe features vegetarian ingredients, making it a great choice for vegetarian diets. Enjoy it with a side salad for balance. For more details, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered a quick and tasty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach. We explored main ingredients, flavor boosters, and seasoning tips. You learned how to cook the pasta, sauté spinach, and blend everything into a creamy dish. I shared options for variations and substitutions to suit your taste. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy the process and get creative!

10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Discover how to make a delicious Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta Delight that will tantalize your taste buds! This easy recipe features creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a quick, mouthwatering meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this dish is both simple and satisfying. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta variety

1 cup creamy ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

1 medium lemon, zested and juiced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for a vibrant garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside for later use.

    Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until it becomes aromatic. Take care to avoid browning or burning the garlic as this can impart bitterness.

      Add Spinach: Next, introduce the chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant in color. As the spinach cooks down, season it lightly with salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance the flavor.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a luxuriously creamy sauce.

          Toss Pasta: Gently add the drained pasta to the skillet, carefully tossing it to coat each strand with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.

            Serve: To serve, plate generous portions of the pasta and adorn each dish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 2-3

                - Presentation Tips: For an elevated presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and swirl the pasta elegantly in the center. Add an extra drizzle of olive oil on top and place a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh touch.