Description
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring a creamy, zesty sauce made from fresh lemon zest and juice combined with smooth ricotta cheese. With simple pantry staples and vibrant fresh herbs, it delivers a comforting yet refreshing meal perfect for any pasta lover seeking bright and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later.
- Prepare the Lemon Ricotta Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Adjust lemon juice or zest according to your taste preference for brightness.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl, then add the lemon ricotta mixture. Toss together gently, adding reserved pasta water little by little until the sauce coats the pasta perfectly and reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it one last light toss before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water: The starch-rich water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it a creamy finish.
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh zest and juice make all the difference for that bright and fragrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Aim for al dente for the best texture that holds up to the creamy sauce.
- Room temperature ricotta: Let ricotta come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother sauce.
- Customize seasoning: Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, lemon pasta, ricotta cheese pasta, gluten-free pasta
