There is nothing quite as comforting and vibrant as a perfectly creamy pasta that sings with freshness, and that’s exactly what you get with this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe. Each bite dazzles with the bright zing of lemon, the richness of ricotta cheese, and the earthy goodness of spinach and basil, all tossed together with tender al dente pasta for a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and bold flavors, making it an instant favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan filled with two main layers. On the left side, there is a large pile of wide, flat yellow pasta noodles with a slightly shiny texture, loosely spread and overlapping each other. On the right side, the pasta sits partly in a creamy white sauce mixed with green spinach leaves, which adds a touch of bright green color and a soft, slightly wilted texture. The sauce looks rich and smooth, covering the bottom of the pan and blending into the greens. The pan is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet purposeful, each one adding a crucial element to the dish’s texture, taste, or vibrant appeal. From the fresh herbs to the creamy cheese and zesty lemon, every item plays a starring role.

Olive oil (1/4 cup, divided): Provides a silky base for cooking and enhances the sauce’s richness.
Garlic (5 cloves, sliced): Adds a fragrant depth and slight bite when gently sautéed.
Ricotta cheese (16 ounces): The creamy heart of the sauce that makes the pasta irresistibly luscious.
Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Offers a nutty, salty kick that’s essential for flavor layering.
Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Delivers bright acidity that wakes up the dish with freshness.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Amplifies the citrus notes and adds aromatic oiliness.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and edge to balance the creaminess.
Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and an earthy, fresh note while wilting gently into the sauce.
Fresh basil (2 tablespoons): Introduces a sweet, aromatic finish for a truly herby bite.
Pasta (16 ounces): The perfect vehicle for the sauce — cooked just shy of al dente texture.
Pasta water (1/2 cup, more as needed): The secret ingredient for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your pasta in heavily salted water; this step is crucial because it flavors the pasta internally. Cook the noodles for about two minutes less than the package instructions to achieve that ideal al dente bite. Before draining, remember to scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water — this will be a game changer for your sauce’s texture!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ricotta Sauce

While the pasta cooks, grab a large bowl and whisk together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and two tablespoons of olive oil. This mixture forms a rich, tangy sauce that’s smooth, fresh, and ready to envelop your pasta.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Wilt Spinach

Heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced garlic. Let it cook gently for about five minutes, softening into aromatic deliciousness without burning. Next, stir in the ricotta sauce and fresh spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt just slightly as everything melds together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now for the best part: adding your cooked pasta and half a cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything gently for one to two minutes, encouraging the sauce to thicken and cling lovingly to each strand of pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit more pasta water.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnishing

Since your pasta water already brings saltiness, wait to season your sauce until after combining pasta and sauce. Taste and adjust as needed with a little more salt or pepper. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe

A white pot filled with soft, wide pasta noodles coated in a creamy white sauce. Mixed in between the pasta are fresh green spinach leaves that add a splash of color. The sauce looks smooth and thick, sticking well to the noodles. The pot is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil leaves and a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese bring not only color but intensified flavor and texture contrast to your Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe. For a little crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts to sprinkle on top.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist complements the citrusy freshness perfectly, rounding out the dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant dinner, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls and place a sprig of basil on top as a garnish. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and add a few lemon zest curls for that extra wow factor on presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers of your Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, though the sauce might thicken, so be ready to stir in a splash of water or olive oil when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta is not recommended because ricotta cheese and fresh spinach can lose their texture and flavor after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring frequently. Add a bit of pasta water or olive oil to loosen the sauce as needed, ensuring the pasta remains creamy and delicious instead of drying out.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta’s mild creaminess is key to this recipe’s texture, but if you need a substitute, fresh cottage cheese blended until smooth can work in a pinch. Avoid harder cheeses as they won’t give the same silky result.

Is fresh lemon juice important, or can I use bottled?

Fresh lemon juice is best because it delivers vibrant acidity and freshness that really lifts the dish. Bottled lemon juice tends to be more bitter and less bright, which can dull the flavors.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and follow the recipe as usual. Be sure to check that your cheese and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Long, thin pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works wonderfully here because it allows the creamy sauce to coat each strand evenly. But feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand.

Can I add protein to this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms would be delicious additions and will make the meal more filling while complementing the fresh flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Basil Recipe is more than just a quick meal — it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. I can promise that once you try it, this dish will become a regular in your rotation, brightening up even the busiest days. So go ahead, give it a whirl and treat yourself to a bowl full of creamy, zesty goodness that feels like a warm hug from the inside out!