Zingy Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe That Sings With Flavor

Whipping up a delightful lemon ricotta pasta feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Soft ricotta cheese blends seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a harmonious dance of flavors.

Silky strands of pasta capture the creamy sauce, promising a comforting meal that speaks directly to your appetite.

Mediterranean influences shine through each delectable bite, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick and effortless preparation means you can enjoy this restaurant-worthy dish without hours of kitchen work.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a vibrant finishing touch that makes the entire plate pop.

Savor every forkful and let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal.

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Freshness

• Boost Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary pasta into a gourmet meal with minimal ingredients and simple steps that bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delicious dinner in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy families or spontaneous gatherings with friends who crave something tasty and satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by tossing in roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
• Lemon-Powered Comfort: Enjoy a bright, zesty pasta dish that combines creamy ricotta with tangy lemon, creating a light yet indulgent meal that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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

• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, smooth Italian cheese that creates a luxurious and silky texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that provide a fresh and tangy profile to the pasta.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, rich oil that helps bind the sauce and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that brings aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.

• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy element that adds a subtle heat to the creamy pasta.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that provide a pop of color and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How to Cook Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Cook pasta following the package instructions until al dente.

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

Step 2: Blend Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Freshly grated lemon zest
• Squeezed lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, silky mixture.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the cooked pasta into the bowl with the creamy sauce. Gently toss the pasta, allowing the sauce to coat each strand evenly.

Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Add Spicy Kick

If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pasta and mix thoroughly to distribute the heat throughout the dish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm, ensuring maximum flavor and creamy enjoyment.

Tips for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Swap ricotta for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to lower fat content and add protein.
• Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version of this creamy dish.
• Grate fresh lemon zest for maximum citrus flavor and aroma.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and a complete meal.
• Keep pasta water starchy and salty to help sauce cling perfectly to noodles.

Flavor Twists on Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta with silken tofu or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea, rice, or zucchini noodles. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal. Increase protein content while maintaining the creamy lemon flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme instead of basil. Incorporate mixed herb combinations to create unique flavor variations.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Sunny Brunch Delight: Pair this creamy pasta with a light mixed green salad and crisp white wine for a refreshing weekend lunch that feels like a Mediterranean escape.
• Elegant Dinner Plate: Serve alongside grilled chicken or seared salmon to transform the pasta into a complete, protein-rich meal with sophisticated flavor layers.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack this pasta in a chilled container for outdoor gatherings, as it tastes delicious at room temperature and travels wonderfully for casual dining experiences.
• Vegetarian Feast: Top with roasted cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or sautéed spinach to add extra nutrients and create a more substantial vegetarian main course.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

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

• How can I make this pasta more filling?

Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables to boost protein and make the dish more substantial. Grilled zucchini or asparagus work particularly well.

Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon ricotta pasta delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish with silky noodles and tangy cheese. Fresh herbs and creamy sauce create a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Components:

• 1/2 cup pasta water (as needed)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, carefully extracting 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Create a luxurious sauce by vigorously whisking ricotta with grated parmesan, aromatic lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, smooth olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Gently fold the hot pasta into the creamy sauce, incrementally introducing reserved pasta water to develop a silky, luxurious texture that clings elegantly to each pasta strand.
4. For those desiring a subtle heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes across the dish and fold delicately to distribute the spicy notes evenly.
5. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top, creating a vibrant, aromatic finish that adds both color and a burst of herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while the pasta remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Substitute gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Use dairy-free ricotta alternatives like cashew or tofu ricotta for a vegan adaptation that preserves the dish’s rich creaminess.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed white beans directly into the pasta mixture for a more substantial meal.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting pasta water gradually, ensuring a silky smooth consistency without becoming too runny or dry.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg