Zingy Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Fresh Flavor Bliss

Whipping up a delightful lemon ricotta pasta brings pure culinary magic right to your dinner table.

Soft ricotta cheese melts into silky strands of pasta, creating an irresistible comfort dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each bite with zesty citrus notes.

Quick and simple ingredients combine for a restaurant-worthy meal anyone can master.

Bright lemon zest adds unexpected complexity to this creamy classic.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction when you serve this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top make this dish feel elegant and intentional.

Why Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Stands Out

• Customize with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow for simple modifications like adding protein, swapping herbs, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy texture and bright lemon flavors create a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults without complicated techniques.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples, this recipe transforms simple components into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Pasta: A classic pantry staple that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that provide a fresh and tangy undertone to the pasta.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add depth, heat, and complexity to the pasta.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and create a silky texture.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that add a final touch of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

Instructions for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

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

Add pasta and cook until al dente.

Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

This starchy liquid will be your secret weapon for creating a silky smooth sauce.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Ricotta Blend

• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Bright lemon zest
• Tangy lemon juice
• Sharp Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Spicy red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until well incorporated, creating a vibrant and flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden, releasing its aromatic essence.

This should take about 60 seconds.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sizzling garlic.

Add the ricotta mixture and gently toss everything together.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, lemony goodness.

Tips to Elevate Lemon Ricotta Pasta Flavor

• Save 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water to help create a smoother, silkier sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Add fresh lemon zest for an extra layer of citrusy flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce thickness, creating a creamy texture that coats each pasta strand.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finish to the creamy pasta.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino or aged asiago for a unique twist on the classic Parmesan flavor.

Flavorful Twists for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta with cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that's creamy and tangy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour for celiac-friendly meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes to transform the pasta into a more substantial main course with extra protein.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh oregano, dill, and mint instead of basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brightens the entire dish.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Herb Garden Fresh: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives on top for a vibrant burst of color and herbal aroma that elevates the pasta's creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add halved cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or crumbled feta cheese to introduce a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and extra protein.
• Protein Power-Up: Mix in grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this light pasta into a more substantial and satisfying main course.
• Zesty Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy pasta and create a complete, refreshing meal.

How to Keep Lemon Ricotta Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Skip freezing this dish, as ricotta and lemon sauce can separate and lose its smooth, creamy consistency when thawed.

FAQs

• What makes the ricotta sauce creamy?

The combination of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water creates a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or linguine that can hold the creamy sauce.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This lemon ricotta pasta is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that’s packed with flavor and protein from the cheese.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans to make the pasta more substantial and filling.

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Silky strands of pasta dance with zesty lemon ricotta in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish. Creamy, tangy flavors and simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a quick, elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pasta water (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, keeping 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Combine ricotta cheese with bright citrus zest, tangy lemon juice, aged Parmesan, seasoning, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and softened, approximately 60 seconds.
4. Transfer hot pasta directly into the skillet, folding it through the creamy ricotta blend, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each noodle.
5. Plate immediately, scattering freshly chopped herbs like verdant basil or delicate parsley across the top for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Grate lemon zest finely to maximize citrusy flavor without bitter white pith.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother, creamier sauce consistency.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness and prevent clumping.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for unique flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg