Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make Lemon Ricotta Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat or part-skim)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup peas or spinach (for added vegetables)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ricotta to warm up and become creamy.
- Incorporate Lemon: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the ricotta, stirring until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thin the Sauce: Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy ricotta sauce. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. For extra flavor, you can add more grated Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 12g