# Ricotta & Spinach Rigatoni with Fried Zucchini

This pasta is a signature dish with a creamy, lemony ricotta sauce, vibrant green spinach, and crispy fried zucchini for added texture and flavor.

- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 15 oz ricotta
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp pasta water
- 0.5 lb rigatoni
- 3 sprays Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Cooking Spray
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- 2 zucchini, thinly sliced
- Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, for frying
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper

## Instructions

1. Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add zucchini slices and fry until golden on both sides.
3. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
5. Add 1/2 tablespoon salt and cook pasta until just under al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions).
6. In a bowl, mix ricotta, salt, lemon zest, Parmesan, black pepper, and 2 tbsp pasta water until smooth.
7. In a large pan over medium heat, spray avocado oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
8. Add spinach and 2 tbsp pasta water, and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted and most of the water has evaporated.
9. Add cooked pasta, ricotta mixture, and grated Parmesan.
10. Stir in 4 tbsp pasta water and cook until the sauce is creamy and pasta is done.
11. Serve hot.
12. Top with crispy zucchini, a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper (if using), and extra Parmesan.

## Equipment

- pan
- paper towel-lined plate
- large pot
- bowl
- food processor (optional)
- hand mixer (optional)

## Tips

- For a silkier texture, blend the ricotta mixture using a food processor or hand mixer.
- Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJFZ1f3z1Sk/?igsh=cDEzcTRtNHM4enM2
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/5d14db46-ce36-4f99-ad92-f3df04d95d6c
- Extracted: 2026-03-21

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt