Name: Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, minced; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound fresh baby spinach; 6 ounces whole milk ricotta; 2 tablespoons milk (whole, low fat, or nonfat); 1 small lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 53 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy, vibrant side dish that’s both creamy and fresh, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe. It elevates the classic creamed spinach by introducing the luscious texture of ricotta cheese and the bright zing of lemon, making every bite a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory. Whether you’re pairing it with steak, chicken, or just craving a veggie-packed treat, this recipe brings comfort and sophistication to your dining table in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal tray holds several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left side is a clear glass bowl filled with bright green fresh spinach leaves, showing their texture and veins clearly. To the right of the spinach is a whole yellow lemon. Next to the lemon, there are three small containers: a metal cup with white cream, a clear glass cup with golden olive oil, and a round brown bowl filled with white cottage cheese with a silver spoon sticking out. Below these containers, in the center of the tray, is a whole orange onion with dry outer skin. On the lower right side, there are three garlic cloves, a long black-handled grater arm, and two small wooden spoons—one with white salt and the other with brown spice powder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients often make the most memorable dishes, and this Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe is no exception. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich ricotta creating that creamy base to the lemon zest delivering a refreshing brightness that lifts the whole dish.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the aromatics perfectly.
Small yellow onion, minced: Provides a gentle sweetness that builds the flavor foundation.
Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering it.
Whole milk ricotta: The star ingredient, giving that creamy, slightly grainy texture that pairs beautifully with spinach.
Milk (whole, low fat, or nonfat): Helps loosen the sauce and ensures it’s silky and smooth.
Small lemon, zested and juiced: Brings brightness and a zesty wave that contrasts the creamy richness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and balances out the lemon’s acidity.
Nutmeg: Provides a subtle warm fragrance that deepens the dish’s complexity.
Fresh baby spinach: The leafy green hero that wilts down to creamy perfection packed with nutrients.

How to Make Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe

A white enamel pot is filled with a creamy, pale yellow mixture that looks thick and grainy, almost like risotto or porridge, covering the entire inside surface of the pot. A wooden spoon with a long handle rests inside, partially submerged in the mixture, showing texture on the spoon’s rounded edge. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface which adds a clean and bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your extra virgin olive oil. When it starts shimmering, toss in the minced onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells deeply fragrant—this step builds a savory base that’s essential for a flavorful creamed spinach.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low, then gently stir in the whole milk ricotta, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix everything thoroughly to transform these ingredients into a luscious sauce that’s both rich and delicately bright. This sauce is what makes this creamed spinach so uniquely irresistible.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach to Perfection

Turn the heat back up to medium and add the baby spinach in batches. Fold each handful into the sauce carefully as it begins to wilt. Keep adding more spinach until all of it is incorporated—this gradual folding ensures the spinach cooks evenly and absorbs all those lovely flavors, creating a creamy, well-balanced dish in about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Once the spinach is tender and beautifully coated, give it a taste. This is your moment to tweak the seasoning—perhaps add an extra splash of lemon juice if you want more zing or a pinch more salt for depth. Adjusting here personalizes the recipe to your perfect balance of creamy and bright flavors.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this creamed spinach adds both visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor. Try sprinkling toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top to amplify the nutty and savory notes. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives also add a lovely pop of green and freshness that complements the lemon zest beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think juicy grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even baked salmon. For vegetarian meals, serve it alongside a hearty grain such as quinoa or farro to make your meal feel complete. It also works well as a comforting, creamy contrast to crispy roasted potatoes or crusty artisan bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use this Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe as a warm filling for stuffed mushrooms or inside flaky puff pastry parcels. You can also swirl it through pasta or dollop it onto a baked potato as a flavorful upgrade. Presentation options are endless and can turn this classic side into a star component of your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamed spinach keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and sometimes taste even richer the next day, making it a perfect prep-ahead side or quick snack.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool it completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture of spinach may change slightly, but reheating gently will restore most of its creamy goodness.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the ricotta from curdling and preserve that fresh lemon brightness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Absolutely, but fresh baby spinach is preferred for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce to prevent it from becoming watery.

Is ricotta the best cheese for this dish?

Ricotta is ideal because of its mild flavor and creamy, slightly grainy texture, which blends beautifully without overwhelming the spinach. However, you could experiment with mascarpone or cream cheese for alternative creaminess.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta or blended tofu, and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. Be sure to adjust seasoning to maintain that bright lemony zing.

Can I add other greens to this recipe?

Yes! Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens can be used either alone or combined with spinach, just allow more time for tougher greens to wilt and soften before folding them into the sauce.

What is the role of lemon in this Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe?

The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, cutting through the creaminess and adding a fresh, vibrant note that keeps the flavors lively and balanced. It’s what makes this creamed spinach stand out from traditional versions.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and flavorful this Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe is, I urge you to give it a try! It’s the kind of comfort food that feels special without any fuss, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. With creamy ricotta and zesty lemon, every bite invites you to savor a simple yet elegant side that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Creamed Spinach with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need