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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

    Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

    By Min On January 25, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    An overhead shot of ricotta pasta in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.

    So simple, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this 20-minute lemon garlic ricotta pasta with spinach is an effortless weeknight dinner.

    A close up shot of cooked ricotta and spinach pasta in a large skillet.

    Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Itโ€™s the end of a long week, your fridge is looking bare, and you have zero desire to run to the store. I am right there with you!

    And that's why I love sharing recipes that you can whip up with just a handful of ingredients, like macaroni carbonara, broccoli pasta, green pasta sauce, and this creamy lemon ricotta pasta!

    It couldn't be easier to make. Just boil some pasta, make the creamy lemon ricotta sauce, combine and toss, and you're done!

    The lemon + ricotta + garlic flavor combination is just out of this world!

    And here is a master list of quick AND delicious weeknight dinners.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
    • Ingredients
    • Choosing the Best Pasta
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • More Creamy Pasta Recipes
    • Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a wooden board.

    I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

    • Pasta - Can use any pasta of choice. I've listed my favorites below.
    • Ricotta - Be sure to use whole milk ricotta cheese for the desired creaminess, richness, and flavor (skim milk ricotta will be grainy and bland). Itโ€™s also a great way to add extra fat (for optimal brain development) to your child's diet.
    • Parmesan - be sure to use freshly grated parmesan not the canned ones for best flavor.
    • Spinach - can use both fresh or frozen (no need to thaw).
    • Fresh lemon - Both the lemon juice and the zest truly brighten up the sauce AND help enhance the absorption of iron (a critical nutrient for babies) in the spinach.
    • Fresh basil (optional)

    Choosing the Best Pasta

    While any shape will work with this sauce, I prefer the short pasta shapes with ridges or grooves, like fusili, rigatoni, or corkscrew, as they really soak up this creamy green sauce. Orzo would be delicious too!

    You can use regular, whole wheat, or legume based pasta for extra protein.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    A four image collage showing how to make ricotta pasta with spinach.
    1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
    2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and stir for about a minute, until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, 5 minutes.
    3. Lower the heat to low and add ricotta, parmesan, lemon juice and zest and stir well. Stir in ยฝ cup of pasta water until smooth. Add cooked pasta and toss until well-coated. Add more reserved pasta water as needed.

    Tips for Success

    A close up shot of ricotta pasta in a bowl with a fork.
    • Use room temperature ricotta. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will help lessen the chances of the sauce becoming grainy.
    • Don't forget to reserve the pasta water! This is key to creating a smooth sauce.

    Serving Suggestions

    Enjoy as is or with additional protein, such as:

    • Chicken
    • Beans
    • Tofu
    • Shrimp

    Fresh herbs like basil or fresh arugula would be delicious too!

    For babies

    A baby plate with three ricotta pasta, sweet potato strip, and sardine fillet.

    Start with small portions as seeing too much food can be overwhelming. It will also help reduce waste.

    Pictured: lemon ricotta pasta with sweet potato and sardine.

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!
    A toddler plate with lemon ricotta pasta, a small portion of spinach, diced carrots, sardine.

    If your child doesn't like anything green or foods touching each other, you can separate the spinach from the pasta as you see here.

    Pictured: with carrots and sardine (my son is not a fan so serving a tiny portion for exposure!)

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!

    Storage

    This ricotta pasta tastes best immediately after cooking as the sauce thickens as it cools and becomes drier. However, you can transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

    The sauce will separate, so when reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or water.

    I don't recommend freezing as the texture will become unpleasant once thawed. The good news is it's super easy to whip up so you can make it at any time ;).

    More Creamy Pasta Recipes

    • 20 Minute Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    • Easy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
    • Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
    • Creamy Sweet Potato Sauce

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    An overhead shot of ricotta pasta in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.

    Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

    So simple, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this 20-minute lemon garlic ricotta pasta is an effortless weeknight dinner.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Deep Pan

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces pasta
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 6 ounces baby spinach
    • 1 cup ricotta (8.5 ounces), at room temperature
    • ยฝ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
    • 1 cup reserved pasta water
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water and drain pasta.
    • While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and stir for about a minute, until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, 5 minutes.
    • Lower the heat to low and add ricotta, parmesan, lemon juice and zest and stir well. Stir in ยฝ cup of pasta water until smooth. Add pasta and toss the pasta until well-coated. Add more pasta water as needed.

    Notes

    • Best to eat immediately, but can refrigerate for 3-4 days. The sauce will separate, so when reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or water.
    ย 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course Main
    Cuisine Italian
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

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    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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