Name: Quick 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 lemon zest and juice; 3 cups baby spinach; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

If you’re craving something creamy, fresh, and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is your answer. It takes just 10 minutes from start to finish and tastes like a dish straight out of your favorite cozy bistro. The lemon brings brightness, the ricotta adds luxurious creaminess, and baby spinach folds in some healthy greens that round out the meal beautifully.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without the heaviness, this dish is as simple as boiling pasta and stirring together a few fridge staples. Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or just cooking for yourself, this recipe offers comfort and elegance in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This pasta recipe is effortlessly elegant yet totally no-fuss. You don’t need any fancy techniques or rare ingredients to whip it up. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome. The ricotta melts into the warm pasta and creates a creamy sauce without needing butter or cream, and the lemon zest keeps it from feeling too rich. You can have it on the table in 10 minutes flat, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

What Kind of Ricotta Should I Use?

For this dish, go with whole milk ricotta if you can. It makes the sauce silkier and richer without being heavy. If you’re watching fat intake, part-skim will still work beautifully, just with a slightly lighter texture. Avoid the overly watery ricotta tubs and opt for one that has a thick, scoopable consistency. If your ricotta is too wet, let it drain slightly through a cheesecloth or fine sieve before using.

Ingredients for the Quick 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

This recipe keeps things simple, and that’s the beauty of it. Each ingredient shines on its own and contributes to a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Pasta
Choose your favorite short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. These shapes catch the ricotta beautifully in every bite.

Ricotta Cheese
The star of the show! It brings creamy richness and a lovely mild flavor that pairs well with lemon.

Lemon Zest and Juice
These add brightness and cut through the creaminess, lifting the whole dish.

Baby Spinach
Fresh spinach wilts down quickly and brings color, texture, and a healthy green boost.

Garlic
A touch of garlic gives depth to the flavor without overpowering the lemon and ricotta.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the garlic and coat the pasta lightly. Use a good quality extra virgin for the best taste.

Salt and Pepper
To season the pasta and balance all the flavors.

Parmesan (Optional)
If you love a little extra saltiness and umami, shave some Parmesan over the top before serving.

Quick 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach (1)

How To Make the Quick 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about a half cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Toss the baby spinach into the pan with the garlic and stir until just wilted. This should take 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Ricotta Sauce

Turn the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta, lemon zest, and juice. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Dish out into warm bowls and serve right away while the sauce is creamy and fresh.

How to Serve and Store Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

This pasta is best served immediately while the ricotta is warm and creamy. It feeds about 2 to 3 people as a main course or 4 as a light side dish. If you’re planning for leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently to bring back the creaminess.

What to Serve With Lemon Ricotta Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crisp, buttery slice of garlic bread makes the perfect crunchy contrast to this creamy pasta.

Grilled Chicken

Add a bit of protein with simply seasoned grilled chicken breast served on the side or sliced over top.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers pair wonderfully with the lemony notes of the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella dressed in balsamic glaze complement the light creaminess of the ricotta.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio matches the citrusy brightness of the dish.

Soup Starter

A light broth-based soup like minestrone can set the tone for a comforting dinner.

Crispy Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas add crunch and a boost of protein if you want a vegetarian topping.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy lemon ricotta pasta, you’ll want to try these next:

Creamy Cajun Linguine for a spicy comfort classic.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli if you’re in the mood for something heartier.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you want minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a richer, filling option.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you use arugula instead of spinach? Add some chili flakes for a kick? I love hearing your variations.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and quick recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite pasta night idea: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Quick 10-Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With a handful of ingredients and barely any time, you get a meal that’s vibrant, comforting, and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a lazy Sunday lunch, or a cozy solo meal, this dish brings flavor and joy in every bite.