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    Category Home » Pasta » Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Artichoke

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Artichoke

    Published: Dec 7, 2020 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This creamy one-pot pasta is made with whole-milk ricotta, parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, lemon zest, and toasted garlic! The best part: this quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes making it the perfect weeknight dinner!

    a white speckled ceramic bowl filled with creamy ricotta pasta, lemon zest and wilted spinach.

    I am not exaggerating when I tell you this Lemon Ricotta Pasta is SO easy to make, and so incredibly delicious. If you like spinach and artichoke dip you’re going to love this recipe! Whole-milk ricotta cheese, spinach, and artichoke fold together seamlessly for a creamy, and flavorful pasta that is a total crowd-pleaser. Toasted garlic, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest really bump up the flavors in this dish. If you like a little heat serve with crushed red pepper flakes on the side or on top!

    Ok, I know I should’t say this in a post about “Ricotta Pasta” but here it is anyway… I usually don’t like ricotta cheese in pasta! I know, I know! That was, until I tried it like this. So what’s the difference? Pasta water! When combined with starchy pasta water the ricotta cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. It’s like magic!

    Looking for the perfect pairing? Serve lemony ricotta pasta with a simple side salad or Calabrian chili broccolini!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy lemon ricotta pasta: fresh spinach, garlic, olive oil, canned or jarred artichoke hearts, pasta (and shape), full-fat ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and lemons.

    Recipe ingredients portioned in bowls: frozen artichoke hearts, ricotta cheese, rigatoni pasta, baby spinach, olive oil, a lemon, a head of garlic and a hunk of parmesan cheese.

    Recipe Step by Step:

    Step 1. Cook the Pasta

    Cook the pasta but reserve a cup of the cooking liquid before draining.

    left: artichoke hearts and baby spinach sautéing in a beige pot with two handles. right: the same pot with cooked rigatoni added in.

    Step 2. Toast the Garlic

    Toast the sliced garlic in olive oil. This step infuses the pasta with the flavor of roasted garlic!

    Step 3. Toss All Ingredients Together

    Fold the ricotta, parmesan, spinach, artichokes, lemon juice and zest together. Use the pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed.

    left: ricotta cheese, lemon zest and grated parmesan cheese piled on top of rigatoni pasta, wilted spinach and artichoke hearts in a beige pot. right: the same pot with all of the ingredients thoroughly mixed together.

    Step 4. Serve

    Divide between bowls and serve immediately! Serve with crushed red pepper flakes on the side.

    FAQs and Expert Tips:

    Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Use one 6oz bag of frozen spinach.

    Can I use marinated artichokes for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use marinated artichokes just drain them well and pat dry with a paper towel before using.

    Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

    You can absolutely make this pasta ahead of time. I recommend using a short cut pasta like penne or rigatoni because they are easier to reheat. Use water or cream to rehydrate when reheating.

    a white bowl filled with creamy ricotta pasta on a blue background with a light blue glass and a hunk of parmesan cheese in the background.

    Check out more delicious recipes:

    • One-Pot Chicken with Orzo, Lemon, and Feta
    • Fried Artichokes with Lemony Garlic Aioli
    • Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Cherry Tomato Confit
    • Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
    • Creamy Tortellini Soup with Lemon and Parmesan Cheese

    I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    a white speckled ceramic bowl filled with creamy ricotta pasta, lemon zest and wilted spinach.

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Artichoke

    This creamy pasta is made with ricotta and parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, artichokes, lemon zest, and toasted garlic! This easy and flavorful one-pot recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 435kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    Ingredients

    • ¼ c olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
    • 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts in water or frozen artichoke hearts drained and quartered
    • 6 oz baby spinach about two heaping cups
    • 1 lb pasta any shape you like
    • 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
    • 2 lemons
    • ½ c grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
    • crushed red pepper flakes optional

    Instructions

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
    • Return the pot to the heat then add in the olive oil and sliced garlic. Cook the garlic, stirring frequently until it's golden brown and aromatic.
    • Turn the heat to low and add in the spinach, artichokes, ricotta, grated parmesan, cooked pasta, and zest and juice from two lemons. Gently fold the ingredients together, use the pasta water to thin the sauce out as needed. The spinach will wilt and cook as you stir.
    • Turn off the heat, taste, and season with salt or extra lemon juice as needed. Divide between bowls and serve with crushed red pepper flakes on the side.

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions: 
    • Spinach: substitute fresh arugula or even frozen spinach. 
    • Artichoke Hearts: I prefer artichoke hearts packed in water or brine but you can also use marinated artichoke hearts or frozen. If using frozen be sure to defrost before using. 
    • Pasta: You can use any shape of pasta you like or you can use your favorite gluten-free pasta. 
    Storing and Re-heating:
    • This pasta will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. Sprinkle the pasta with a little bit of water then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
    Equipment: 
    Enamel Pot | Olive Wood Spoon | Measuring Cups

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 917mg | Potassium: 871mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5109IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 457mg | Iron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carol

      February 09, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Can this be made in a casserole format and frozen, reheated or warmed for a future event?

      Reply
      • Leigh Anderson

        February 10, 2023 at 11:17 am

        Hi Carol, I’ve never tested the that way but I do think it should work. If you do try it out let us know how it goes!

        Reply
    2. Carly

      June 30, 2021 at 11:53 am

      Looking forward to trying this tonight! I am assuming you add the artichokes with the spinach and saute? It’s not listed in the steps, but that’s what I’ll try. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Leigh Hyatt Anderson

        June 30, 2021 at 2:16 pm

        Hi Carly! Thanks for catching that omission. You are correct the artichokes are added along with the spinach. I’ve updated the post just now. Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Laura

      April 12, 2021 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      Incredible and so easy to make! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Leigh Hyatt Anderson

        April 12, 2021 at 10:35 am

        Thank you, Laura! So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    4. Laura

      April 12, 2021 at 10:15 am

      4 stars
      Incredible and so easy to make, thank you!

      Reply

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    I'm so glad you're here. My name is Leigh and this is my food blog where I share California inspired recipes and tons of tips and tricks for better home cooking!

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