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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A delightful dish that combines creamy ricotta with fresh lemon flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or light lunches.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 12 ounces pasta Your choice of pasta
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To be added to the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
  • 3 cups packed spinach leaves Fresh spinach is recommended
  • 1 shallot, minced Adds flavor to the sauté
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced For taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Creamy texture
  • Zest of 1 lemon To enhance flavor
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness
  • Kosher salt To taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper To taste
Garnish
  • freshly chopped basil For garnish
  • crushed red pepper flakes For a bit of heat
  • Parmesan cheese For extra topping
  • additional lemon juice For extra zing if desired

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the rest.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the spinach and minced shallot to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese until creamy.
  5. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then slowly stir in the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
  6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
  2. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor, so use high-quality ricotta cheese. Adjust lemon flavor according to your preference.