Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach & Peas: Your Go-To Easy Weeknight Meal

Indulge in this delightful lemon ricotta pasta, a dish that’s the epitome of creamy, fresh, and light. Featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a vibrant ricotta-lemon sauce, bright sweet peas, and tender wilted spinach, it’s an incredibly easy yet deeply satisfying meal that comes together in less than 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress guests!

Why You’ll Adore This Lemon Ricotta Pasta

If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly seeking dinner ideas that are both delicious and easy to prepare. This Lemon Ricotta Pasta perfectly fits the bill! Ricotta cheese, often relegated to lasagna layers, truly shines in this dish, proving its incredible versatility far beyond a one-hit wonder. We’ve been experimenting with ricotta in all sorts of ways lately – stirring it into creamy sauces, tossing it with vegetables in skillets, and blending it into delightful dips. But this bright and creamy lemon ricotta pasta recipe has captured our hearts.

What makes this dish so special? It’s the harmonious blend of simple, fresh ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor profile. The creamy ricotta forms a velvety sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti, while the zesty lemon cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing brightness. Sweet peas burst with natural sweetness, and tender spinach wilts into the pasta, adding a touch of vibrant green and a boost of nutrients. It’s a truly simple, fresh, and undeniably good meal that will become a staple in your rotation.

The best part? Once your pasta is boiled to al dente perfection, the entire dish comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. A generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a touch of salt at the end elevates it to a truly “magnifique” experience!

The Simple Stars: Essential Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Creating an exceptional lemon ricotta pasta starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature creamy, fresh, and bright flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Pasta: For this light and elegant dish, we highly recommend using thinner spaghetti noodles. Their delicate texture complements the creamy ricotta sauce without overpowering it, ensuring a harmonious bite every time. Feel free to use your favorite regular or gluten-free spaghetti.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is key for sautéing the vegetables and building a flavorful base. Investing in a larger bottle from a reputable store like Costco can be cost-effective, and keeping it in an oil dispenser by your stove makes cooking even more convenient.
• Spinach and Peas: These two vibrant vegetables are chosen for their quick cooking time and beautiful color. Baby spinach wilts down quickly into the sauce, adding a lovely green hue and a touch of earthiness. Sweet peas contribute a burst of natural sweetness and texture. Both cook efficiently in the skillet, making this a truly fast meal.
• Ricotta Cheese: This is the heart of our creamy sauce! For the absolute best and creamiest consistency, we strongly recommend using full-fat ricotta. Its richness provides a luxurious mouthfeel that lower-fat versions simply can’t match. Look for fresh ricotta for the finest results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese is a must. Avoid pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce. Shredding a block of high-quality Parmesan yourself will yield superior flavor and melt beautifully into the sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: Since lemon is undoubtedly the star of this show, using fresh lemons is non-negotiable! The bright, acidic notes from the juice and the aromatic oils from the zest are crucial for that signature vibrant flavor that makes this pasta so refreshing.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an essential aromatic depth to the dish, complementing the freshness of the lemon and herbs.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and dill are an incredible pairing in this pasta, adding layers of aromatic flavor. Their fragrant notes elevate the entire dish. If you have a preference or simply don’t care for one of them, feel free to adjust or omit, though we encourage trying them together for the full experience.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and balancing all the flavors in the sauce.

Crafting Your Perfect Bowl: Step-by-Step Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This spinach and ricotta pasta recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. The magic truly happens once the noodles are cooked; everything else comes together in a flash, mostly in a single skillet. Follow these simple steps for a delightful meal:

• Boil the Pasta to Perfection: Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to package directions in well-salted water. The key here is to cook it until it’s al dente – firm to the bite, not mushy. This ensures the pasta holds up beautifully in the sauce. Before draining, remember to ladle out at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later on.
• Prepare Your Ricotta Mixture: While the pasta boils, you can whip up the creamy sauce base. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fresh ricotta cheese, shredded Parmesan, bright lemon juice, aromatic lemon zest, a pinch of kosher salt, and your fresh minced herbs (basil and dill). Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Having this mixture ready to go ensures a seamless cooking process.

• Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Add the baby spinach, minced garlic, and thawed sweet peas to the skillet. Stir continuously until the spinach has completely wilted and the peas are tender and heated through. This quick sauté brings out their flavors and softens their texture.
• Combine with Pasta and Water: Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the freshly cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet. If your pasta has clumped together while sitting, don’t worry; it will loosen up beautifully in the warm liquid as you stir it to mix with the spinach and peas. The starchy pasta water will start to form a light, emulsified base for your sauce.

• Stir in the Ricotta Mixture: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared ricotta cheese mixture into the skillet with the pasta and vegetables. Gently stir to fully combine. As the ricotta mixture warms through, it will meld with the pasta water and create a rich, creamy sauce that beautifully clings to the spaghetti. Let it cook for just a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, then remove the pan from the heat immediately.
• Serve Immediately: Transfer your creamy lemon ricotta pasta to individual plates or a large serving bowl. For an extra touch of indulgence and flavor, don’t forget to generously top each serving with more freshly shredded Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a dash of flaky sea salt. Serve hot and enjoy this simple, flavorful masterpiece!

Mastering the Dish: Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Don’t Forget the Pasta Water! This starchy, salty liquid is an absolute game-changer. It not only helps to create a smooth, creamy, and emulsified sauce but also binds everything together. Regular water won’t give you the same rich texture and depth of flavor. Always reserve at least a cup before draining your pasta.
• Handle Gluten-Free Pasta with Care: If you’re using gluten-free pasta, be extra vigilant with cooking times. Gluten-free varieties can become mushy very quickly if overcooked. Start checking for al dente a couple of minutes before the package suggests.
• Thaw Peas for Best Results: While frozen peas are convenient, it’s best if they are thawed before they hit the skillet. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly without lowering the temperature of your pan too much, allowing your other vegetables to sauté properly. You can easily thaw them in the microwave for a minute or by running them under warm water.
• Adjust Consistency to Your Liking: If your sauce seems too thick, slowly add a bit more of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess. If it’s too thin, let it simmer on low heat for an extra minute or two, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving! You might want to add a little more lemon juice for extra brightness, more salt to enhance the flavors, or a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh garnishes make a huge difference. Extra lemon zest, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (basil or dill), or a final grating of Parmesan cheese not only add visual appeal but also boost the fresh flavors.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This lemon ricotta pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customizations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage. For a vegetarian protein boost, roasted chickpeas or cannellini beans work wonderfully.
• Swap Your Veggies: While spinach and peas are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes (halved), thinly sliced zucchini, or even finely chopped kale would be delicious additions.
• Experiment with Herbs: If dill or basil aren’t your favorites, fresh parsley or chives can offer a different but equally delightful aromatic touch.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will introduce a lovely warmth and subtle heat to the dish.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is recommended, this sauce would also be excellent with other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, penne, or even a short pasta like orecchiette or farfalle.

What to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Pasta:

This bright and creamy pasta can be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes can complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: If you have any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight!
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave on a heatproof plate until just warm. You might want to add a splash of milk or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge. Stir well, and absolutely serve with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to bring back that creamy, savory finish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make this pasta ahead of time? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta and sauce can absorb liquid and change texture over time. However, you can prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta and vegetables just before serving.
• Can I use low-fat ricotta? While you can, we highly recommend full-fat ricotta for the creamiest, most luxurious sauce. Low-fat versions may result in a thinner, less rich sauce.
• What if my sauce is too thick? No problem! Slowly stir in an extra tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Finely chopped asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers would make wonderful additions. Add them with the spinach and peas during the sautéing step.
• Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, this lemon ricotta pasta is completely vegetarian! It’s a fantastic meat-free meal option.

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