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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts


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  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Craving a quick yet impressive dinner? This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts is your new weeknight hero. It’s creamy, zesty, and packed with fresh spinach for a beautiful balance of indulgence and brightness. Perfect as a quick dinner, easy recipe for guests, or even as part of your healthy snack or lunch rotation, it’s a versatile dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re hunting for food ideas that feel gourmet but are simple to whip up, this pasta delivers on every level.


Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup reserved pasta water (more if needed)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

Lemon wedges for serving (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring for 3–4 minutes until golden. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.

4. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Add hot pasta to the ricotta mixture. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce. Fold in the wilted spinach.

6. Divide among bowls. Top with toasted pine nuts, cracked pepper, and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Make sure to reserve the pasta water—it’s key to getting that creamy sauce texture!

Use whole milk ricotta for best results, but you can thin part-skim ricotta with a bit of milk if needed.

Watch the pine nuts carefully while toasting—they burn fast!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg