Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach Artichokes & Crispy Chickpeas
Velvety lemon ricotta sauce coats warm pasta, mingling with tender baby spinach and marinated artichokes. It’s topped with crispy roasted chickpeas and a sprinkle of Parmesan for crunch and depth. Bright, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying!
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
250g (about 8 oz) short pasta (like fusilli or penne)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
½ cup reserved pasta water
For the Lemon Ricotta Sauce:
¾ cup ricotta cheese
Zest + juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
1 garlic clove, grated
Salt & pepper to taste
For Crispy Chickpeas:
1 can chickpeas, drained and patted dry
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt
Instructions
1. Roast the Chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Roast for 25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
2. Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
3. Make Lemon Ricotta Sauce:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, lemon juice + zest, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy. Thin with 2–4 tbsp of pasta water to make a silky sauce.
4. Toss It All Together:
In a large pan, heat olive oil. Add spinach and artichokes, cook for 2–3 min until wilted. Add cooked pasta and ricotta sauce. Stir gently and heat until warm and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed.
5. Finish & Serve:
Top with crispy chickpeas and extra lemon zest or Parmesan. Serve warm.
Tips:
Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it makes the dish pop!
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt or mascarpone.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use GF pasta and it’ll still be amazing.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use vegan ricotta or blended tofu + lemon, and skip Parmesan.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~490
Protein: 19g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 7g