Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Overhead view of a plated pasta dish with a sprinkle of black pepper and Parmesan.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

This creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe combines the richness of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and baby spinach with the refreshing brightness of lemon. It’s a quick and satisfying weeknight meal perfect for any pasta lover.

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Servings

Ingredients

Pasta:

16 ounces pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli

Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot minced
2 cloves garlic minced
3 cups baby spinach washed and dried
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese well drained
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
1 lemon zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves torn

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic, cooking for approximately 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.

Combine Ingredients:

Reduce the heat to low. Add the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.

Adjust Consistency:

Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Toss and Serve:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to ensure it is evenly coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

To make this Lemon Ricotta Pasta gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with your preferred gluten-free variety. Ensure that the Parmesan cheese and ricotta are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Bitty