Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach: A Creamy, Bright, and Comforting Meal

Some recipes have a way of striking the perfect balance between comfort and freshness, and this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is one of those dishes. It’s creamy yet light, indulgent yet wholesome, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes making it a go-to for weeknight dinners, but elegant enough for entertaining.

The creaminess of the ricotta cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta, while the lemon adds brightness and zing that cuts through the richness. Fresh spinach brings color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy flavor that complements the tangy sauce. The end result is a pasta dish that feels luxurious without being heavy a little Italian sunshine in a bowl.

This dish is perfect for spring and summer when you want something vibrant, but it’s equally wonderful in colder months when you crave comfort without the heaviness of cream-based sauces.

this Recipe

What Is Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach?

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a creamy pasta dish made by combining cooked pasta with a sauce of ricotta cheese, fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and olive oil, then tossing in spinach until wilted. Unlike heavy Alfredo sauces that rely on butter and cream, the ricotta base keeps things lighter while still creamy and satisfying.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to different pasta shapes and customized with add-ins like herbs, nuts, or even proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in 25 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Light but creamy: Ricotta makes a velvety sauce without feeling heavy.
• Fresh flavor: Lemon zest and juice brighten the entire dish.
• Nutritious: Spinach adds vitamins, fiber, and iron.
• Versatile: Can be served as a main or side dish, vegetarian or with added protein.

How Does It Taste?

This pasta is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet from the ricotta, while the lemon juice and zest add brightness and acidity that make the dish pop. Spinach adds a tender, slightly earthy taste that balances the creaminess. Black pepper adds a subtle heat, while the pasta provides the perfect chew.

Each forkful is refreshing and indulgent at the same time a pasta dish that feels light enough for lunch but comforting enough for dinner.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nourishing:

• Ricotta cheese: A good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats.
• Lemon: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health.
• Spinach: Packed with iron, folate, vitamin K, and fiber.
• Olive oil: Adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Pasta: Provides energy-rich carbohydrates; whole wheat pasta can add fiber.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Zester or grater
• Whisk or spoon

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Use arugula instead of spinach for a peppery twist.
• Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Substitute part of the ricotta with mascarpone for extra richness.
• Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for protein.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

1. Cook pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Make sauce: In a bowl, whisk ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
3. Wilt spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté spinach until just wilted, 1–2 minutes.
4. Combine: Add pasta to skillet with spinach. Pour ricotta mixture over and toss until pasta is well coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
5. Serve: Top with extra lemon zest, black pepper, and Parmesan if desired.

What to Serve With Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
• Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
• A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing pairing.

Tips for Success

• Reserve pasta water it helps create a silky sauce.
• Don’t overcook spinach; it should just wilt.
• Use fresh ricotta for the creamiest sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving lemon and salt make the flavors shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding ricotta directly to hot pasta without mixing it can clump.
• Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh; zest is key for brightness.
• Overcooking pasta; slightly al dente is best for holding the sauce.
• Forgetting pasta water, which ensures a smooth, glossy sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to rehydrate the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as ricotta-based sauces can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, use a plant-based ricotta and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What pasta works best? Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, but short pasta like penne also holds the sauce well.
Can I make it ahead? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ricotta sauce in advance.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is the ultimate combination of creamy, zesty, and wholesome. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s an easy way to elevate pasta night into something that feels special. The brightness of the lemon, the richness of the ricotta, and the freshness of the spinach make this a balanced dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, this recipe proves that pasta can be both comforting and refreshing at the same time.

Print

August 30, 2025 by Melissa