If you’re in the mood for a dish that perfectly balances creaminess with a zesty kick, look no further than Lemon Ricotta Pasta! This delightful recipe combines the smooth texture of ricotta cheese with the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon, creating a pasta dish that is both comforting and invigorating. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that captures the essence of spring and summer, making it ideal for any occasion.
Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a luscious lemon-infused ricotta sauce, topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests. Let’s dive into this creamy, citrusy delight that will leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Creamy and Light: The ricotta adds creaminess without being heavy, and the lemon brightens up the dish.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a heartier meal.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and ricotta creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients List
To create your delicious Lemon Ricotta Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for added freshness)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
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.
- Mix Ricotta and Lemon: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add Pasta to Skillet: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed garlic.
- Incorporate Sauce: Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. If using, add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetable Addition: Toss in sautéed vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, dill, or arugula for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover Lemon Ricotta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cream cheese for a different flavor profile, though the texture may vary slightly.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works well, but long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based ricotta alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.
How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
Conclusion
Indulge in the creamy, citrusy goodness of Lemon Ricotta Pasta! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, bringing a burst of freshness to your dinner table. With its bright flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen.
We’d love to hear how your Lemon Ricotta Pasta turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Print
Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Creamy, Citrusy, and Refreshingly Light
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a refreshing dish that combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of comfort and freshness.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. If using, add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
For added nutrition and flavor, consider tossing in sautéed vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or zucchini. To make the dish heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, dill, or arugula for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 431
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 491mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 81g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
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