If you are craving something bright, creamy, and utterly comforting, you have to try this Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe. It combines the fresh zing of lemon with the velvety smoothness of ricotta cheese, creating an incredibly simple yet sophisticated dish that feels like a hug on a plate. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance between tangy citrus, aromatic garlic, and herbaceous basil, elevated by a touch of Parmesan that melts effortlessly into the sauce. Whether you are whipping up a quick dinner or impressing guests, this Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe so delightful is how straightforward and fresh the ingredients are. Each item plays a crucial role in bringing together the harmonious flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant appearance that define this dish.
- 8 ounces pasta: Your choice of shape, but I love using linguine or spaghetti for that perfect sauce cling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps infuse the garlic flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and aroma to the sauce.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The star ingredient providing luscious creaminess without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and a savory bite that balances the lemon’s brightness.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Gives the dish its refreshing citrus punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Introduces a fresh herbaceous note and gorgeous green color.
- 1/4 cup pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce, making it silky and smooth.
How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta as it cooks, ensuring every bite has flavor. Add your pasta and cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite, perfect to absorb the creamy lemon ricotta sauce without turning mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic. The scent of garlic cooking in olive oil is one of those irresistible kitchen moments that signals deliciousness ahead. Keep it moving for just about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can add bitterness.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce
Add the ricotta cheese directly to the skillet with the garlic, stirring it gently to warm through. This creates the base of your sauce — rich, creamy, and mild. Grate in the Parmesan cheese next and mix well until the sauce is smooth and indulgent, with a lovely savory tang from the cheese.
Step 4: Brighten with Lemon
Zest the lemon and add the zest to the ricotta mixture, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. The lemon adds an uplifting acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile. Stir until everything is fully combined and the sauce becomes silky.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Before draining your pasta, scoop out a 1/4 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta well, then toss it into the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, mixing until the sauce coats every strand perfectly with a creamy, saucy finish.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil. This final flourish brings a fragrant, fresh note and a vibrant pop of color that makes this dish feel alive and fresh. Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra chopped basil leaves or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese over the top to add flavor and eye appeal. For an elegant touch, you can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few lemon zest curls to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables. A crusty baguette also complements this meal beautifully, perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy lemon sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of basil on top and a lemon wedge on the side. You can also toss in some toasted pine nuts for crunch or add a handful of baby arugula to introduce a peppery element that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the sauce is dairy-based, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up reasonably well if kept cold.
Freezing
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe is not ideal for freezing because the sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for quick next-day meals.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more fresh ricotta to revive the creamy texture without drying out the sauce. Avoid microwaving to help maintain the sauce’s smooth, luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Ricotta’s mild creaminess is key to this dish, but if you’re looking for a substitute, cottage cheese blended until smooth can work. However, the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Just swap the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and follow the recipe as usual. The sauce remains just as delicious.
Can I add protein to this Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta can be fantastic additions to make this dish more substantial. Add them at the end before tossing with the pasta.
How can I make this dish more creamy?
For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone along with the ricotta. Just be mindful that it may change the dish’s lightness.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the yellow part of the lemon skin, avoiding the white pith underneath, which is bitter. Fresh lemon zest adds vibrant aroma and flavor to your pasta sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe enough for anyone seeking a quick yet impressive dinner that bursts with fresh flavors and creamy goodness. It’s a dish that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new favorite weeknight indulgence!
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe is a quick and creamy Italian-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with a luscious ricotta and parmesan sauce, brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice. Finished with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, it’s a light yet indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes.
- Heat the Olive Oil: While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese with the garlic, combining them into a creamy base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Lemon Zest: Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest, infusing the sauce with citrus aroma and brightness.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the lemon juice and mix thoroughly until the sauce is well combined and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and black pepper, stirring to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out and set aside 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta, shaking off any excess water to prevent dilution of the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the pasta to the skillet with the ricotta sauce, tossing gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred creaminess.
- Remove from Heat: Once the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is creamy, take the skillet off the heat to preserve freshness.
- Stir in Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil for a vibrant flavor and appealing color contrast.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra basil if desired, for best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor impact.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce that clings well to the noodles.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s optimal creaminess.
- Gluten-free or alternative pasta can be used to cater to dietary needs.
- Optional garnish: additional Parmesan or cracked black pepper.
