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–+ servings

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Spinach And Toasted Pine Nuts

This delightful pasta dish features a creamy ricotta sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by sautéed spinach and crunchy toasted pine nuts for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium lemon zest and juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
For the Spinach
  • 4 cups fresh spinach washed and chopped
For the Topping
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
  2. Fold in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the heat for about 2 minutes.
Toasting the Pine Nuts
  1. In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning, about 3-5 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with toasted pine nuts.
  2. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or lemon zest if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute cream for a portion of the ricotta. Adjust the lemon juice to taste based on your preference for tartness.

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