Lemon Ricotta Pasta

$- 12 ounces pasta of your choice - 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese - 1 large lemon (zested and juiced) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes In this recipe, I like using linguine or fettuccine. Both types hold the sauce well. Fresh ricotta cheese is key to a creamy texture. The zest and juice from the lemon bring a bright flavor. Olive oil adds richness to the dish. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor. Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty finish. Finally, fresh basil adds a fresh note. You can spice it up with red pepper flakes if you like heat. This simple mix of ingredients creates a dish that feels gourmet but is easy to make. You can serve this pasta as a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner. It’s fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Once boiling, add 12 ounces of pasta. Cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. - Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great but not burn. - Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet. Add the drained pasta and stir well. - Lower the heat and mix in 1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese, the zest, and juice of 1 large lemon. - Stir until the ricotta becomes creamy and coats the pasta. - Add 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. - Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss to combine. - Serve right away, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if you like. To get that creamy texture, you must reserve some pasta water. This water is rich in starch and helps bind everything together. When you mix in the ricotta, it will create a rich sauce. If your pasta looks too dry, add more reserved water. This makes the pasta silky and smooth. Adjust the amount of ricotta based on your taste. A bit more can give you that extra creaminess. Boost the flavor of your pasta by adding fresh herbs. Basil is a great choice as it pairs well with lemon. You can also use parsley or thyme for a different twist. Don’t forget spices! A pinch of black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. If you want to change the cheese, try goat cheese or feta. They provide a different taste while still being creamy. Cooking pasta and sauce at the same time saves you effort. Start boiling your water first. While it heats, prep your ingredients. This way, you can focus on your sauce once the pasta is cooking. When the pasta is almost done, you can start your sauce. This ensures both are ready to serve at the same time. It also keeps the pasta from sticking together. Enjoy the process, and you will create a delicious meal! {{image_2}} You can add many great veggies to your Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Seasonal vegetables work best. Try using asparagus, peas, or zucchini for a fresh twist. If you want to swap spinach, kale is a nice choice. You can also use arugula for a peppery flavor. To make the dish heartier, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp fits well. Just cook them separately and mix in at the end. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or tofu work great. Both add texture and protein without meat. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You might need to adjust cooking times, so check the package. For other dietary needs, you can use whole grain or legume pasta. These choices keep the dish healthy and tasty. To keep your Lemon Ricotta Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This way, you can enjoy the pasta later without losing its taste. For best quality, use the leftovers within three to four days. If you wait longer, the pasta may become dry or lose flavor. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or olive oil to the skillet. This adds moisture and helps prevent dryness. Heat on low, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's hot. This method helps keep the texture creamy and delicious. It takes about 20 minutes to make Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Here is the time breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 10 minutes This quick dinner delight fits into your busy schedule. Yes, you can use non-dairy options for this dish. Look for lactose-free ricotta cheese. You can also try almond or cashew cream as a substitute. These work well to keep the dish creamy without dairy. You can pair Lemon Ricotta Pasta with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: A crunchy treat that complements the pasta. - Mixed green salad: Adds freshness and crunch. - Grilled vegetables: Seasonal veggies bring color and flavor. These sides make your meal well-rounded and enjoyable. For the detailed recipe, visit [Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta](#). This blog post covered a simple and tasty Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. You can modify this dish with different veggies, proteins, and storage methods. In the end, this recipe is easy and fun to make. Enjoy your meal with friends or family, knowing you created something special and delicious.$

Dive into a burst of flavor with this Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! With creamy ricotta, fresh lemon, and vibrant spinach, this dish is a delightful blend of taste and simplicity. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

12 ounces pasta of your choice (linguine or fettuccine works well)

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

1 large lemon (zested and juiced)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to combine the pasta with the garlic-infused oil.

Lower the heat and add the fresh ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until the cheese is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.

Stir in the chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the mixture on low heat until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine. For added flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4