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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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