Description
A creamy, tangy Italian-inspired spaghetti dish featuring fresh baby spinach, ricotta cheese, and bright lemon zest and juice, tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that balances richness and freshness effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese into the wilted spinach and garlic mixture. Stir gently to combine into a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the lemon ricotta spinach sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added savory touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic when sautéing.
- You can substitute fresh arugula or kale for the spinach if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to taste for a milder or more intense lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
