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Home » Recipes » Dinner

Published: Nov 17, 2022 · Modified: Sep 7, 2023 by Natalie Perry · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Low-Carb Swaps)

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This healthy lemon ricotta pasta recipe features bright lemon flavors, creamy ricotta cheese, and chickpea pasta. Healthy, organic, and simple ingredients combine for a delicious flavor and easy dinner that requires minimal effort. Ready in under 20 minutes, one-pot ricotta lemon pasta is the perfect meal for any night of the week!

a bright blue placemat with a white bowl and creamy lemon ricotta pasta with chicken spinach ad red pepper flakes with. lemon wedge and fork in the bowl this …

Easy weeknight dinners and one-pot meals are definitely a favorite in my house. Healthy, quick, and easy clean-up saves time to enjoy the evening with family. It can be a great meatless weeknight dinner or easily add an additional protein like shrimp, salmon, or chicken if you prefer!

Jump to:
  • Choosing the Right Pasta
  • Intentions
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Equipment
  • Recipe
  • FAQ
  • Storage
  • Food Safety
  • Comments

Choosing the Right Pasta

For the longest time, we stayed away from recipes with pasta to avoid the highly processed, simple carbohydrate kinds of pasta that flood the mainstream grocery stores. They spike blood sugar and the chemical processing and hybridization of commercial wheat products cause inflammation and fatigue (among other things).

Our favorite pasta swaps have always been spaghetti squash, spiralized zucchini, or roasted cauliflower. (YUM!) These are the best low-carb, whole-food, and plant-based pasta alternatives.

After a while, we discovered Banza brand pasta. It is a high-protein and gluten-free pasta that tastes just like the traditional pasta we grew up with. Every now and then we switch it up and go for a Banza pasta.

Note: There are some other better-for-you pasta brands out there that incorporate ancient and sprouted grains that are worthy of a shot as well!

We are grateful to have options now to make processed and unhealthy pasta brands a thing of the past!

Now let's set some healthy intentions. Then we can head to the grocery store for a handful of ingredients to create this healthy and delicious one-pot pasta meal.

Intentions

Intentions and affirmations are quick and simple yet powerful and transformational habits to cultivate and weave throughout the fabric of our lives.

Setting clear intentions with positive affirmations and gratitude elevates the vibration of every step in the process of the day.

It directs the energy of our day, our space, our food, and our cells to match the vibration of our desires- our intention. It is staying connected to our purpose and centered even amidst a chaotic world.

Simply take 3 slow and even deep breaths and begin to imagine, or remember, what your goals and intentions are. some examples are:

It is my intention to create food that makes my whole family feel good. Everyone feels healthy, happy, and energetic.

I choose ingredients that are clean and nutritious and my body thanks me for it.

This meal is fun to make and even more enjoyable to share with my loved ones. I am thankful for the ability to make this with ease (and clean it up quickly, too!)

Choose whatever intention and positive affirmation that feels best for you and your goals. Repeat them as often as it feels right for you. Intentions work well before any activity, meal, or event. Read more about setting intentions here.

Pull up your shopping list, and let's talk ingredients!

Ingredients

ingredients on a wooden table with a grey brick background. a white plate with fresh spinach and spices a whole lemon and garlic cloves with an orange box of Banza brand rotini and two clear ramekins with ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese

Pasta

Choose organic, sprouted, or ancient grain pasta, Banza chickpea pasta, or use roasted cauliflower, cooked spaghetti squash, or spiralized zucchini for more vegetables, low-calorie, and low-carb alternatives that taste amazing.

For this recipe, we are using Banza rotini pasta. Rotini is a short pasta that my toddlers tend to enjoy.

Banza also has spaghetti and penne pasta!

Fresh Spinach

We use organic baby spinach that comes pre-washed and packaged in the produce section. Be sure to get organic spinach, as leafy greens tend to be highly sprayed with pesticides on conventional farms! You can also add or use fresh arugula as well. The more diverse the green leafy vegetables we use, the more nutrients and health benefits we receive!

Fresh Ricotta

Ricotta makes a delicious creamy sauce. Be sure to look for organic ricotta for the best-sourced ingredients available. Whole-milk ricotta tends to make a creamier sauce than skim-milk ricotta.

For a dairy-free option, search for almond milk ricotta. I have not personally tried it yet, but if you do, let me know how you like it!

* With dairy-free cheeses, be sure the check the ingredients as some companies may add chemical ingredients. The more simple and clean the ingredients, the better!

Garlic Cloves

Organic is best

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Creamy Oat Milk

Adds an even creamier texture to the sauce

Fresh Parmesan Cheese

Search for organic cheeses for the healthiest option that avoids unnecessary additives and stabilizers. Parmesan adds a delicious flavor that melds beautifully with the lemon ricotta sauce.

Organic Lemon

Be sure to grab an organic lemon so that when you do the zest, there isn't a waxy pesticide exterior getting into the food!

Italian Seasoning

Red Pepper Flakes

Pink Himalayan Salt

The best salt that is minimally processed and contains a wide range of trace minerals

Cracked Black Pepper

Reserved Pasta Water

The pasta water contains starch which helps thicken the sauce slightly. Only add a small amount of the starchy water at a time when the recipe calls for it, as needed

Instructions

a pot with rotini pasta cooking in water with fresh spinach added

Cook pasta according to the package directions.

In the last 1-2 minutes, on medium-high heat, throw in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt. stirring occasionally.

a white colander with rotini pasta and spinach

Drain pasta and spinach, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. 

a bright skillet and spoon with rotini pasta cooked spinach leaves with milk and spices added

Return cooked pasta and spinach to the pot on medium heat.

Add lemon juice and lemon zest, garlic, oat milk, seasonings, olive oil, and a small amount of pasta water and stir for about one minute. 

a black skillet and spoon with rotini pasta cheese, spinach before it melts and turns into a sauce

Melt ricotta and parmesan cheeses and stir.

Add additional pasta water as desired for consistency.

Keep in mind when removed from heat, the sauce will thicken slightly.

a picture of the cheeses melted on top of the creamy lemon ricotta pasta seasoned with red pepper flakes still in the skillet

Top with chicken or shrimp if desired. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Hint: Take the ricotta and parmesan out of the fridge while the pasta cooks so that it can take the chill off of it. Room temperature cheese will melt so much easier!

close up of creamy pasta with spinach topped with red pepper flakes and garnished with a lemon wedge and spinach leaf

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-Free: Omit parmesan, as this cheese can sometimes have gluten due to stabilizing additives. also, choose a gluten-free pasta or pasta alternative. If choosing pasta, be sure to choose an ancient grain, sprouted, or chickpea pasta!

Pasta alternatives: Spaghetti squash, spiralized zucchini, or roasted cauliflower!

Dairy-free: There are dairy-free cheeses out there made from almond milk or coconut milk. if opting for this choice, be sure to check the ingredients to avoid artificial additives or preservatives.

Vegetarian: Simply make without adding meat! There is plenty of protein and this vegetarian pasta recipe is very filling on its own!

*Add vegetables like peas, asparagus, arugula, or squash for extra veggies, texture, and flavor!

*Can use organic heavy cream in place of oat milk, if desired.

Equipment

Large Skillet

Pasta Strainer

Cooking Spoon

Knife

Cutting Board

Citrus Juicer

A Grater with a Microplane for Zesting

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Recipe

a pot filled with creamy lemon ricotta pasta in the left corner next to a white bowl of the pasta with a lemon wedge in it all on a wooden table

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Organic with Low Carb Swaps)

Natalie Perry
This healthy lemon ricotta pasta recipe features bright lemon flavors, creamy ricotta cheese, and chickpea pasta. Healthy, organic, and simple ingredients combine for a delicious flavor and easy dinner that requires minimal effort. Ready in under 20 minutes, one-pot ricotta lemon pasta is the perfect meal for any night of the week!
5 from 72 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 14 minutes mins
Total Time 16 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 581 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pasta Strainer
  • Cooking Spoon
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Citrus Juicer
  • A grater with a Microplane for zesting
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Banza rotini pasta
  • 15 oz organic whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large organic lemon juiced and zested
  • 5 oz fresh organic Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
  • ¼ tap cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ cup extra creamy oat milk

Instructions
 

  • Cook Banza rotini pasta according to the package directions. In the last 1-2 minutes, on medium-high heat, throw in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente.
  • Drain pasta and spinach, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
  • Return cooked pasta and spinach to the pot on medium heat. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, garlic, oat milk, seasonings, olive oil, and a small amount of pasta water and stir for about one minute.
  • Melt ricotta and Parmesan cheeses and stir. Add additional pasta water as desired for consistency. Keep in mind when removed from heat, the sauce will thicken slightly.
  • Top with chicken or shrimp if desired. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Hint: Take the ricotta and parmesan out of the fridge while the pasta cooks so that it can take the chill off of it. Room temperature cheese will melt so much easier!

Nutrition

Calories: 581kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 32gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 898mgPotassium: 561mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4185IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 621mgIron: 3mg
Keyword lemon ricotta pasta, one pot dinner, one pot lemon ricotta pasta, one-pot meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQ

Does ricotta melt into a sauce?

YES! Many people ask if ricotta can be heated- and the answer is yes! This is why it works so well in lasagna and other baked Italian dishes. Unlike other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, ricotta softens and melds into a creamy texture that is perfect for a sauce. For this dish, ricotta and parmesan work together with starchy pasta water and creamy oat milk for a perfectly creamy sauce. Give it a try, you will love it!

Is ricotta cheese healthy?

When properly sourced from organic and grass-fed whey (cows), ricotta can be a healthy choice for cheese. Ricotta is high in protein, amino acids, and several minerals and vitamins. The highest nutrient content includes phosphorus, calcium, selenium, and riboflavin. The fermented whey used to make ricotta may benefit bone health, support weight loss, and lower blood pressure when used sparingly in recipes.

Why does ricotta say do not freeze?

Ricotta has a high water content. Freezing a ricotta-based sauce may cause it to become watery when defrosting. This will change the consistency once reheated.

Is Banza pasta good for you?

Banza pasta is a high-protein pasta with lower carbs and a lower glycemic index (think reduced blood sugar spikes!) With 13g of fiber, 24g of protein, and minimal ingredients, it is a healthier option compared to traditional white flour pasta.

Storage

Store the leftover ricotta pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. (Please note that freezing ricotta may cause it to become watery and may change the texture of the sauce.)

Food Safety

Be sure to clean all utensils and pans between uses and sanitize any areas that come into contact with raw meats. See guidelines on USDA.gov for more info

Do you love this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. NCP says

    December 20, 2022 at 7:32 am

    5 stars
    The lemon and ricotta mix makes a great sauce! I can’t wait to try it with spaghetti squash sometime soon!

    Reply
  2. Melissa says

    January 27, 2023 at 12:03 am

    I love everything about this recipe! I'm a huge pasta fan. Spinach and ricotta are some of favorites for pasta dishes. I'm saving this to try soon!

    Reply
    • Natalie Perry says

      January 27, 2023 at 1:28 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it, let us know how it turns out for you 🙂

      Reply
  3. Dana Catello says

    August 22, 2023 at 8:14 pm

    5 stars
    Made this tonight for dinner. It was super easy and so delicious! We didn’t do any protein this time but this would definitely be delicious with chicken!

    Reply
    • Natalie Perry says

      August 23, 2023 at 10:25 pm

      Happy to hear you enjoyed it! It doesn't even need meat at all. So good!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

a woman standing and a man sitting with two toddlers in front in a family photo. all wearing black shirts with nightmare before Christmas character jack skellington on the front. with a light wood backdrop

Hello there! My name is Natalie. My passion is creating and sharing healthy recipes, tips, and affirmations for a healthy mind and body. I am a wife, mom, certified holistic nutrition specialist, hypnotherapist, reiki master, and healthy food blogger! I enjoy learning, creating, and sharing healthy recipes that the whole family will love.

Since 2005 I began studying yoga, natural and holistic healing, nutrition, energy work, subconscious work, and more. I attended Southwest Institute for Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona, and received several certifications as well as a Mind Body Wellness Practitioner Diploma in 2017. I spent many years looking for solutions for pain, stress, illness, and fatigue. I found that prescriptions, poor lifestyle and food choices, and negative self-talk were causing me to stay stuck. Throughout my studies, I transformed my life. It has become my passion to share what I learned in hopes of helping others to heal themselves.

Over the years, I have discovered firsthand the impact of food choices on health, energy, pain, and more. I am here to share how impactful it is to eat clean, natural, nutrient-dense foods. I have spent several years learning and experimenting with healthier cooking and eating, and it feels amazing!

When learning new ways to eat, I found it often required reprogramming outdated thoughts and beliefs to succeed.

Meditation, guided imagery, affirmations, and setting intentions are powerful tools I incorporate into my recipes and blogs. I will often share suggested affirmations or intentions within my recipes that will help you to amplify your healthy eating experience if you choose!

Thanks for stopping in! We look forward to hearing how you like our recipes! Welcome to the tribe 🙂

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side of a pot of prepared lemon ricotta pasta next to a white bowl of creamy lemon ricotta pasta with added chicken and garnished with a lemon wedge all atop a wooden table