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Lemon Ricotta Pasta


  • Author: Shirley
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

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:

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Incorporate Lemon: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the ricotta, stirring until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

Serve:

  1. 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