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Lemon ricotta spinach pasta in large black pan.
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Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta

Creamy and loaded with bright flavors, Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta is the perfect meal to make when you want something that's both easy and delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound (454g) baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 large shallots sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups (480g) ricotta
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup (45g) parmesan grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups pasta water will most likely not need it all
  • 1/4 cup basil hand torn

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta to al dente. When the pasta is 1 minute from finished cooking add in the spinach. Drain the pasta and spinach, making sure to reserve at least 3 cups of pasta water.
  • Heat a large pan to medium heat with 5 tablespoons of olive oil and add the shallots. Saute the until translucent then add the red pepper flakes. Turn the heat to its lowest setting.
  • When the pasta is almost done cooking add 1 cup of pasta water to the pan.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and add the pasta, spinach, ricotta, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to a creamy consistency. If the pasta is too dry, add more pasta water, a 1/4 cup at a time, until the perfect consistency is achieved. Mix in the grated parmesan.
  • Mix in the basil and the remaining 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Test and season well with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with more grated parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pasta water.  Pasta water is key in this dish to loosen up the ricotta and create a creamy sauce.
  • Season well.  A good amount of salt and fresh cracked pepper is essential to finish this dish, but season to your personal taste.
  • Leftovers.  Lemon ricotta spinach pasta can be saved in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 700kcal | Carbohydrates: 93.7g | Protein: 28.7g | Fat: 24.2g | Saturated Fat: 8.7g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 177mg | Fiber: 6.6g | Sugar: 4.7g | Calcium: 361mg | Iron: 6mg

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