20-Minute Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Spinach Ricotta Pasta: Creamy, Fresh, and Ready in 20 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick pasta that feels light yet satisfying, this Spinach Ricotta Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s one of those recipes that comes together effortlessly but still delivers on flavour and texture. Creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, garlic, and a hint of lemon create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta. It’s simple, fresh, and perfect for busy days when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’ve enjoyed recipes like Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells or Creamy Mushroom Pasta on my site, this one brings that same comforting feel in a much faster, everyday version. What makes this dish stand out is how balanced it is. It’s creamy without being heavy, fresh without being bland, and rich without feeling overwhelming. The addition of lemon zest lifts everything, while the parmesan adds depth and savoury richness. It’s the kind of pasta you’ll want to make on repeat, especially if you already love dishes like Courgette and Cottage Cheese Pasta or Roasted Tomato and Cottage Cheese Fusilli.

Scroll down or tap “Jump to Recipe” to get started.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours

This pasta proves that a short ingredient list can still deliver big results. Each element works together to create a smooth, flavourful sauce:

• Pasta – I used Colonne Pompei, which is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce thanks to its shape. If you can’t find it, any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli works well too.
• Ricotta – The base of the sauce, giving it that creamy, soft texture without needing heavy cream.
• Fresh spinach – Adds colour, freshness, and a light earthy flavour.
• Garlic – Essential for depth and aroma.
• Cashews – Blended into the sauce for extra creaminess and a subtle nutty richness.
• Lemon zest and juice – Brightens the entire dish and balances the richness.
• Parmesan – Adds that savoury, umami finish that brings everything together.
• Pasta water – The key to creating a silky, glossy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

When working with simple ingredients like this, quality really matters. Good parmesan and fresh spinach will make a noticeable difference. If you enjoy clean, flavour-driven pasta dishes like Roasted Pepper and Ricotta Pasta or Beetroot Cottage Cheese Pasta, this one fits right in.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Prepare the Sauce

Soak the cashews in a small bowl of hot water for about 15 minutes, then drain well. In a food processor, combine the spinach, ricotta, garlic, soaked cashews, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy. An immersion blender works just as well if needed.

Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Cook the Sauce

In a large pan, add the prepared sauce along with about 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper, add a pinch of chilli flakes, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce slightly thickens.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta.

Remove from the heat and serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chilli flakes on top.

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with exact measurements.

Why This Pasta Works Every Time

This recipe works so well because it focuses on balance and technique. The ricotta provides creaminess without heaviness, while the cashews enhance the texture and give the sauce body. The lemon cuts through the richness, keeping the dish fresh and vibrant rather than dense. Using pasta water is key, it binds everything together and creates that smooth, restaurant-style finish. It’s also incredibly flexible. You can easily adjust the consistency, add more greens, or even include protein if you want to make it more filling. If you enjoy pasta recipes like Stuffed Pasta Shells with Mushrooms, Ricotta and Spinach or One-Pot Meatball Pasta from the site, you’ll notice the same principle here, simple ingredients, properly handled, delivering maximum flavour with minimal effort.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Spinach Ricotta Pasta is perfect for those moments when you need something quick but still satisfying. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve when you have guests over. The fresh flavours make it feel light, while the creamy texture keeps it comforting. It also works beautifully as a base recipe. You can customise it with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even keep it completely vegetarian. If you’re already a fan of dishes like Baked Cannelloni with Beef and Mozzarella or Butternut Squash Ricotta Pasta, this one will easily become another go-to. It’s simple, reliable, and always delivers.

You May Also Like

Watch our quick video tutorial on Instagram and don’t miss out on other pasta favourites:

• Baked Ricotta Stuffed Shells in Meat Sauce
• Stuffed Caccavelle Pasta Bake with Beef Ragù and Béchamel
• Easy Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Orzo
• Butternut Squash Ricotta Pasta
• Stuffed Pasta Shells with Mushrooms, Ricotta and Spinach
• 
  One-Pan Tomato Meatball Pasta

Happy cooking,
Izabella