If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with bright flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Lemon Spinach Pasta. This delightful recipe brilliantly combines tender rigatoni, silky ricotta, and a zesty lemon punch, complemented by the earthy goodness of spinach. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes that come together quickly, making it your new go-to weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple dish to share with friends. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, Lemon Spinach Pasta is comfort food with a refreshing twist.

Lemon Spinach Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the fresh, creamy, and vibrant character of Lemon Spinach Pasta. From the tangy lemon zest that awakens your palate to the creamy ricotta that adds luscious texture, every component is essential.

12 ounces rigatoni (or other pasta): Rigatoni’s ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
10 ounces spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely green color and subtle earthiness that balances the lemon.
1½ cups ricotta (or dairy-free ricotta): This creates the creamy, dreamy base for your sauce with mild richness.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and a fruity depth to the sauce.
1 cup parmesan cheese (grated, or dairy-free cheese): Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor that enhances every element.
1 teaspoon lemon zest (or more to taste): The zest brightens the dish with a fresh citrus aroma without overpowering.
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (grated): A tiny pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and subtle complexity.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential to season both the pasta water and the sauce perfectly.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A bit of pepper brings a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Lemon Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Spinach

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — this is where you’ll cook the rigatoni until perfectly al dente. About halfway through the pasta’s cooking time, toss in the fresh spinach so it wilts gently with the pasta, absorbing the pasta water’s flavor and texture. This step marries the spinach and pasta early, allowing the greens to become tender while keeping their vibrant color.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Ricotta Sauce

While your pasta and spinach are cooking, whisk together ricotta, grated parmesan, olive oil, bright lemon zest, a hint of freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. The trick here is zesting only the yellow part of the lemon peel since the white pith tends to be bitter and can spoil the fresh citrus brightness you want in your sauce. Mix everything until smooth and creamy — this sauce will coat your pasta with light, luscious flavor.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta

When your rigatoni and spinach are cooked to just the right tenderness, carefully reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Add the warm pasta and spinach directly to the bowl with your lemon ricotta sauce and toss everything together. The reserved pasta water is pure gold here — add it gradually if you want your sauce thinner and silkier. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a harmonious and creamy dish.

How to Serve Lemon Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate your Lemon Spinach Pasta, sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan and freshly ground black pepper right before serving. Another lovely touch is adding a zesting of fresh lemon on top, which gives the dish a final burst of brightness and freshness that makes every bite sing.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully solo but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some warm crusty bread perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. A side of roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled asparagus also complements the lemony notes superbly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn this into a brunch centerpiece or a dinner party winner, serve Lemon Spinach Pasta in pretty shallow bowls garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra color and aroma. For a fun twist, try adding toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for subtle heat and texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Spinach Pasta keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to retain the creamy texture and fresh flavors, but be aware the spinach might darken slightly over time.

Freezing

For best results, avoid freezing because the spinach and ricotta sauce may change in texture. However, if you must freeze, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through, to preserve the creamy consistency and avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Lemon Spinach Pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s shape is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Choose what you love or have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap out the ricotta and parmesan for plant-based alternatives or make your own cashew-based ricotta. The lemon spinach pasta remains just as delicious and creamy!

How can I make the sauce creamier?

If you prefer an even richer sauce, add a little more ricotta or a splash of cream. Remember to adjust seasoning accordingly so the lemon brightness still shines through.

Can I add protein to the Lemon Spinach Pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make great additions that pair well with the lemon and spinach without overpowering the dish.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the outer yellow part of the lemon peel. Avoid the white pith beneath, as it is bitter and can taint the flavor of your sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Lemon Spinach Pasta that makes it a joy to cook and eat again and again. The bright citrus notes combined with creamy ricotta and tender spinach make for a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a delicious way to bring warmth and brightness to your table any day of the week.