Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Overview
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a light and flavorful dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
- Optional: extra lemon zest and Parmesan for serving
Timing
Making the Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil (or parsley) and mix well.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate: Serve the creamy lemon ricotta pasta in bowls.
- Garnish: Top with extra lemon zest and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Tips for Customization
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for extra protein and nutrition.
- Vegetable Options: Toss in fresh spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a delicious and refreshing dish that perfectly balances creamy and zesty flavors. It’s quick to prepare and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful recipe!
PrintCreamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
- Optional: extra lemon zest and Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil (or parsley) and mix well.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate: Serve the creamy lemon ricotta pasta in bowls.
- Garnish: Top with extra lemon zest and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm!
