– **Title**: Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach
– **Ingredients**:
– 10 oz pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Toss to combine, then add the ricotta mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can use any pasta you enjoy, like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta work great too if you’re looking for healthier options.
Ricotta Cheese: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Just blend it a bit to make it smoother.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is wonderful for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach—just make sure to drain it well to avoid extra liquid in your dish.
Lemon: Fresh lemon adds brightness. If you don’t have one, a splash of lemon juice from a bottle or even a bit of vinegar can work, but fresh is best!
Garlic: Minced garlic brings flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just remember, 1/8 tsp garlic powder is roughly equal to one clove of garlic.
How Do I Get My Pasta Creamy Without Making It Dry?
The key to creamy pasta lies in the mixing and the pasta water. When you reserve some pasta cooking water, it helps bind and emulsify your sauce. Here are some steps to get it just right:
- Cook pasta until firm but tender (al dente). Don’t skip the salt in the water—it boosts the flavor.
- As you heat the olive oil and garlic, keep an eye on the garlic. It cooks quickly and can burn easily.
- When mixing in the ricotta mixture, add the reserved pasta water gradually. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without making it soupy.
- For added creaminess, you can always incorporate more ricotta or a splash of cream, if you like!
How to Make Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 10 minutes to cook the pasta and prepare the sauce, and then just a few extra minutes to combine everything and serve. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil, then add in your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later, then drain the rest.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Using the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it and stir, so it doesn’t burn, as we just want it to become fragrant!
3. Cook the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the pot with the garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender. This will add a lovely fresh flavor to your dish.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Lower the heat a bit and add the drained pasta back into the pot. Give it a good stir to mix it with the spinach and garlic.
5. Mix the Ricotta Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese until it’s well combined. Now pour this creamy mixture over the pasta mixture in the pot.
6. Toss and Adjust Consistency:
Toss everything together thoroughly! If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of that reserved pasta water, a bit at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess. It should be nice and creamy but not soupy!
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your pasta with salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Serve your pasta right away, and feel free to top it with extra Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for that specific pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture, or cottage cheese for a lighter alternative. Just blend the cottage cheese until smooth for a closer consistency to ricotta!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to include other veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or peas. Just add them to the pan with the spinach and cook until tender before mixing with the pasta and sauce.
