Indulge in a burst of flavor with our Easy Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti recipe. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant baby spinach, and zesty lemon for a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or craving a light and flavorful pasta dish, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta of choice)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- 8 ounces baby fresh spinach
- Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach:
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the baby fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed spinach. Toss to combine, ensuring that the spaghetti is well coated with the olive oil and garlic.
- Gradually add the ricotta mixture to the skillet, tossing the spaghetti and spinach until evenly coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season to Taste:
- Season the lemon ricotta spaghetti with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or zest for extra brightness if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the lemon ricotta spaghetti among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this light and refreshing pasta dish!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or white beans to the lemon ricotta spaghetti.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of the dish with chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the whole-milk ricotta with dairy-free ricotta or silken tofu for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the skillet, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and cook the spaghetti in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before combining and serving.
Q: Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemon? A: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if needed. Adjust the amount to taste.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for added flavor and texture.
Treat yourself to a culinary delight with our Easy Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti recipe, a refreshing and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant spinach, and zesty lemon flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or served as part of a leisurely dinner spread, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic pasta that’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every forkful of this delightful lemon ricotta spaghetti!
