Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Name: Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g pasta (your choice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 200g fresh spinach; 250g ricotta cheese; 50g grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; A squeeze of lemon juice

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Ideas

I love how simple yet elegant this creamy spinach ricotta pasta is. Whenever I want to impress my family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish is my go-to. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta creates a luscious experience that never fails to satisfy. Plus, it comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close!

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:05:35.787Z

When I first tried making creamy spinach ricotta pasta, I was amazed at how a few everyday ingredients could transform into such a delightful dish. I had just picked up some fresh spinach from the market, and I thought it would be a lovely complement to the creamy texture of ricotta. By sautéing the spinach until just wilted, I've found that it retains its vibrant color and distinct taste, resulting in a visually appealing dish that tastes as good as it looks.

A tip I discovered while perfecting this recipe is to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta beautifully, giving you a silky finish that coats every swirl. I can’t explain how much I look forward to serving this dish, especially when garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that envelops the pasta perfectly
Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

Ingredient Insights

The star of this creamy spinach ricotta pasta is undoubtedly the ricotta cheese. It provides a creamy richness that complements the pasta beautifully. Opting for fresh ricotta rather than pre-packaged options can elevate the dish, as it has a lighter taste and smoother texture. When selecting ricotta, look for a brand with minimal ingredients for the best flavor. If you're in a pinch and can't find ricotta, cottage cheese can serve as a substitute, though it will give a slightly different texture.

Fresh spinach not only adds color but also brings a vibrant nutritional profile to the dish. Cooking the spinach until just wilted ensures that it retains some texture and doesn’t become overly mushy. If you don't have fresh spinach on hand, frozen spinach is a viable alternative—just ensure it's fully thawed and drained of excess water before adding it to the skillet.

Technique Tips

When sautéing the garlic, keep an eye on it as it can burn quickly, turning bitter in flavor. You're looking for a light golden color—about 30 seconds will do the trick. If you find that the garlic is browning before you add the spinach, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a delicate balance. This step is crucial because burnt garlic can overshadow the creamy and fresh aspects of this dish.

When combining the pasta with the ricotta, it's essential to use the reserved pasta water effectively. Start by adding only half of it, as you can always adjust the creaminess. If the mixture appears a bit dry, slowly add more water until it reaches your desired consistency. This not only enhances the creaminess but also ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious creamy spinach ricotta pasta:

Ingredients

250g pasta (your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
200g fresh spinach
250g ricotta cheese
50g grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your creamy spinach ricotta pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the spinach and cook until just wilted.

Combine the Ingredients

Reduce the heat and add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the ricotta and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined. Add more pasta water if necessary for a creamier consistency.

Season and Serve

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, adding salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider sautéing some cherry tomatoes along with the spinach for a pop of sweetness and color.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautifully plated dish, consider garnishing your pasta with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A few crushed red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy elements. Additionally, serve it alongside a light, crisp salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.

This pasta dish also makes an excellent base for additional toppings. Sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken can add heartiness, while cherry tomatoes can provide a burst of sweetness. If you want to make this a fully vegetarian meal, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the mix.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, prepare the pasta and sauce separately. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the sauce, keep it in a separate container, as the ricotta can change texture when reheated. When ready to serve, combine them in a skillet over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to rehydrate the sauce.

Although pasta dishes typically don’t freeze well due to texture changes, you can freeze the ricotta spinach mixture. Just remember to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it should maintain quality for about a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

→ What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta shape will work, but I recommend tagliatelle or penne for better sauce adherence.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Enjoy it as is or add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.