Lemon Ricotta Pasta
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
348 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Description
Lemon Ricotta Pasta features pasta cooked al dente and tossed in a sauce made by cooking spinach and shallots in olive oil, then adding garlic and ricotta cheese. Fresh lemon zest and lemon juice brighten the ricotta, while reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce to coat the noodles evenly. Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness and depth to the creamy mixture.
The sauce is gently combined over low heat to maintain the creaminess without curdling. The texture is smooth with tender pasta strands evenly coated in the lemony ricotta sauce, accented by wilted spinach for a slight earthiness and vibrant green color.
This pasta serves well on its own or as an accompaniment to lighter proteins or salads. Garnishes of finely chopped basil and crushed red pepper flakes add fresh herbal and gentle heat elements, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1/2 cup water reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups spinach packed leaves
- 1 onion minced, or shallot
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- lemon zest of 1
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
- basil garnish, freshly chopped basil
- crushed red pepper flakes
- Parmesan Cheese
- lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the pasta. Pour the pasta back into the pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the spinach and shallot and cook until spinach is wilted. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice and stir until creamy. Add the reserved pasta water and stir again until well combined. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add in the pasta and stir well until pasta is well coated in the ricotta sauce. Garnish with basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also add an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you want a stronger lemon flavor. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 348 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 348kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 28mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 196mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 298mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1662IU | 33% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 191mg | 19% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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