Description
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is creamy, tangy, and effortlessly elegant — made in just minutes with simple ingredients like ricotta, lemon zest, and parmesan. Plus, discover 5 delicious twists to make it your own!
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a splash of warm pasta water to loosen.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and stir in the ricotta mixture.
5. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, creamy sauce.
6. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and toss until evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
🍋 5 Mouthwatering Ways to Wow Dinner:
1. **Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta** – Stir in fresh spinach until wilted for extra greens.
2. **Lemon Ricotta Chicken Pasta** – Add grilled or shredded chicken for more protein.
3. **Lemon Ricotta Shrimp Pasta** – Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
4. **Lemon Ricotta Pesto Pasta** – Mix in 2 tbsp of basil pesto for bright flavor.
5. **Baked Lemon Ricotta Pasta** – Top with mozzarella and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Perfect for quick weeknights, elegant dinners, or meal prep — light, luscious, and utterly irresistible!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg