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LEMON RICOTTA PASTA & SPINACH

Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach: A Creamy 15-Minute Delight

Discover Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Spinach, a quick 15-minute dish celebrating creamy, zesty flavors.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta (any shape) Spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Whole-Milk Ricotta Or use low-fat for a lighter option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Grated or pressed.
For the Greens
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Thawed frozen spinach can be a substitute.
For the Zesty Flavor
  • 1 whole Lemon Zest and juice from unwaxed lemons.
For the Enhancements
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Plus extra for serving.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil For drizzling over the finished dish.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Add spinach to the boiling pasta for the last minute of cooking, then drain pasta and spinach together.
  4. Pour the ricotta sauce over the drained pasta and spinach, gradually adding the reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky sauce. Stir until well combined and warm through.
  5. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish is also adaptable with various greens and proteins.

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