Description
This Lemon Spinach Pasta is a bright and creamy dish featuring rigatoni tossed with fresh spinach and a luscious lemon ricotta sauce. Infused with parmesan, olive oil, and a hint of nutmeg, it makes a perfect quick and satisfying vegetarian meal that balances tangy citrus notes with creamy richness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces rigatoni (or other pasta)
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce
- 1½ cups ricotta (or dairy-free ricotta)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated, or dairy-free cheese)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Spinach: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and stir gently. When the pasta is halfway done according to package instructions, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Continue to cook until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted.
- Make the Lemon Ricotta Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine ricotta, grated parmesan, olive oil, lemon zest, grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Note: Only zest the yellow peel of the lemon to avoid bitterness.
- Toss the Pasta: Once the pasta and spinach are cooked, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the bowl with the lemon ricotta sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and achieve a creamier consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional grated lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper for extra brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest only; avoid the white pith as it can impart bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Dairy-free ricotta and parmesan alternatives can be used to make the recipe vegan.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: lemon spinach pasta, creamy lemon pasta, vegetarian pasta, ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish
