Lemon Ricotta Penne with Spinach and Artichokes

AuthorJulia ForesekCategory, DifficultyIntermediate
Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time35 mins
 400 g penne pasta
 2 tbsp olive oil
 4 cloves garlic, minced
 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
 200 g baby spinach leaves
 250 g ricotta cheese
 Zest of 1 lemon
 Juice of 1 lemon
 60 g Juice of 1 lemon
 Salt and black pepper, to taste
 Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2

Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

3

Create the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

4

Combine the Dish
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the artichokes and spinach. Reduce the heat to low.
Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently toss to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

5

Serve
Divide the pasta among plates. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Ingredients

 400 g penne pasta
 2 tbsp olive oil
 4 cloves garlic, minced
 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
 200 g baby spinach leaves
 250 g ricotta cheese
 Zest of 1 lemon
 Juice of 1 lemon
 60 g Juice of 1 lemon
 Salt and black pepper, to taste
 Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

1

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2

Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

3

Create the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

4

Combine the Dish
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the artichokes and spinach. Reduce the heat to low.
Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently toss to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

5

Serve
Divide the pasta among plates. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Lemon Ricotta Penne with Spinach and Artichokes
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