Description
This Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a creamy, bright, and comforting dish designed for busy weeknights. Combining the cooling texture of whole milk ricotta with the vibrant zest of fresh lemon, it offers a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. This family-friendly recipe elevates simple pantry staples into a delicious, wholesome dinner that satisfies every palate without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
8 ounces Spaghetti or Fettuccine
1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
1 Lemon (zested and juiced)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan, olive oil, and minced garlic.
Add the cooked pasta to the ricotta mixture.
Toss gently, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy coating.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with hand-torn fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Ensure you reserve the pasta water, as the starch is key to creating a velvety sauce. Freshly grated parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties. You can easily swap the pasta for a whole wheat or gluten-free version depending on your dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired