Zesty Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe: Silky Bliss in Minutes

Weeknight dinners just got a zesty boost with this creamy lemon ricotta pasta that promises to spark joy at your table.

Soft ricotta melts into a silky sauce, creating unexpected layers of flavor.

Quick and simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something magical.

Mediterranean influences shine through each twirled forkful of tangy goodness.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add bright, aromatic notes that complement the creamy base.

Rich yet light, this dish delivers comfort without heaviness.

Prepare to be delighted by how effortlessly delicious dinner can be.

Store Lemon Ricotta Pasta Smooth And Bright

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil, stirring gently to restore creamy texture and prevent sticking.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain smooth consistency.
• Ricotta-based pasta doesn't freeze well, as dairy can separate and change texture when thawed, compromising the dish's creamy appeal.

Fresh Complements for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Pair Citrusy White Wine: Select a crisp, bright Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon's tangy notes and enhance the pasta's creamy texture.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with arugula, basil, and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add refreshing green elements.
• Serve Roasted Asparagus Sides: Prepare tender asparagus spears with olive oil, sea salt, and light parmesan sprinkle to provide a vegetable accompaniment that matches the pasta's delicate flavors.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread with garlic butter to help soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Creamy Citrus Notes

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional wheat pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Adaptation: Replace ricotta and Parmesan with cashew-based vegan ricotta and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Low-Carb Vegetable Substitute: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the lemony flavor profile intact.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is choosing a shape that holds the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. If you want to add protein, consider mixing in roasted vegetables or tofu.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some spinach, asparagus, or peas during the cooking process. These vegetables will boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and color to the dish.

• What if I don't have fresh lemon?

Use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Just reduce the amount slightly to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery, and consider adding a bit of lemon zest from a jar or bottled dried lemon peel to maintain the bright citrus flavor.

Why Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Is A Must-Try

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delightful pasta in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, stress-free dinner.
• Bright and Zesty Flavor Explosion: Lemon and ricotta combine to create a creamy, tangy sauce that elevates ordinary pasta into a vibrant, refreshing meal that awakens taste buds.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for vegetarians, customizable with additional herbs or proteins, and loved by both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta Creamy Essentials

• Linguine or Spaghetti: Classic pasta shape perfect for creamy sauces with smooth surface for sauce coating.
• Reserved Pasta Water: Starchy liquid helps create silky sauce texture and bind ingredients together.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that creates smooth and creamy sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds deep savory flavor and saltiness.

• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit providing zesty freshness and balancing rich cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient adding depth and pungent warmth to the overall dish.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil for sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertones.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out and balancing recipe flavors.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Light, herbal finishing touch that adds color and fresh aroma.

Steps for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a quarter cup of pasta water and set aside.

Drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Lemon Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30-45 seconds until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.

Step 4: Merge Pasta and Cooking Base

Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the sautéed garlic.

Gently toss to combine and remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Sauce

Pour the prepared ricotta lemon mixture over the pasta.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every pasta strand is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley over the pasta.

Optional: Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Creamy Blending and Zest Balance

• Use high-quality, fresh ricotta and ripe lemons for the most vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
• Reserve exactly ¼ cup of pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy, luxurious consistency.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives to add a personalized touch and bright flavor to the dish.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, or use dairy-free ricotta alternative for a vegan option.

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Lemon Ricotta Pasta weaves Italian culinary magic with zesty citrus notes and silky cheese. Luxurious comfort meets gourmet simplicity, promising a delightful dining experience you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) reserved pasta water
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring an al dente texture.
2. While the pasta cooks, create a velvety sauce by whisking ricotta cheese with bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
3. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet, then gently sauté minced garlic until it releases its aromatic essence and turns a delicate golden hue.
4. Carefully drain the cooked pasta, reserving a quarter cup of the starchy cooking liquid, then transfer the pasta directly into the fragrant garlic-infused skillet.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat source and introduce the creamy ricotta mixture, using gentle, sweeping motions to coat each pasta strand evenly, incorporating the reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, clingy sauce.
6. For a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley over the pasta, and add an optional dusting of additional Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavors.
7. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm, allowing the creamy lemon ricotta sauce to shine in all its zesty, comforting glory.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor profile.
• Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and a more substantial meal.
• Adjust lemon zest and juice quantities based on personal preference for tanginess, tasting as you blend the ricotta mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 515
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg