Looking for a weeknight meal that feels gourmet but comes together in a flash? This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is your new best friend! It's a delightful blend of bright, zesty lemon and smooth, creamy ricotta, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish proves that simple ingredients can create an unbelievably flavorful and satisfying experience, perfect for any busy evening.
Why This Lemon Ricotta Pasta Will Become a Family Favorite
There's something truly special about a pasta dish that tastes light and refreshing while still being utterly comforting. This Lemon Ricotta Pasta hits all the right notes, making it a staple you'll crave repeatedly. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick & Easy: Forget lengthy cooking times. This recipe is designed for speed, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal even on your busiest days.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The star of the show is fresh lemon, providing a vibrant, tangy kick that brightens the entire dish and awakens your palate.
- Silky Smooth Texture: Ricotta cheese creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that beautifully coats every strand of pasta, offering a delightful mouthfeel without being heavy.
- Perfectly Customizable: Whether you want to add more greens, a protein boost, or a touch of heat, this recipe is incredibly versatile to suit your preferences.
Ready to create a vibrant, irresistible pasta dish? Let's gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients for Your Delectable Lemon Ricotta Pasta
You’ll be amazed at how a few fresh, high-quality ingredients can produce such an outstanding meal.
For the Pasta and Creamy Sauce:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred shape)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Follow these simple steps to bring this bright and creamy pasta to your table.
- Step 1: Cook Your Pasta. In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. If using asparagus, add it to the boiling water during the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta's cooking time. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and asparagus together.
- Step 2: Prepare the Aromatic Base. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, which can make it bitter.
- Step 3: Mix the Creamy Ricotta. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 4: Combine and Emulsify. Add the drained pasta and cooked asparagus to the skillet with the fragrant garlic. Pour in the prepared ricotta mixture. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, continually stirring until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency. You might not need all the water.
- Step 5: Final Touches and Serve. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Ricotta Pasta & Delicious Variations
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is fantastic on its own, but these tips and variations can help you customize it even further:
- Amp Up the Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Sautéed cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, or even some zucchini noodles can be lovely additions. For another amazing pasta dish with vibrant flavors, check out our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or even some chickpeas or cannellini beans during the final step.
- A Touch of Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes sautéed with the garlic will add a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the lemon.
- Mastering Pasta: Achieving perfectly al dente pasta is key to any great pasta dish. For a comprehensive guide, take a look at this helpful resource on how to cook pasta from Food Network.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to help the sauce regain its creamy texture. For another bright and zesty treat, you might also enjoy making some Zesty Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies.
Conclusion
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the best of fresh, bright flavors with comforting creaminess. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. We hope this recipe adds a little sunshine to your kitchen!
FAQs
What type of pasta is best for Lemon Ricotta Pasta?
Long pasta varieties like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work wonderfully, as they elegantly cling to the creamy sauce. However, short pastas such as penne or orecchiette are also excellent choices, as they help scoop up all the delicious sauce.
Can I add vegetables to my Lemon Ricotta Pasta?
Absolutely! This dish is highly adaptable. Asparagus (as included in this recipe), spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even sautu00e9ed zucchini are fantastic additions. You can cook them with the pasta during the last few minutes or briefly sautu00e9 them with the garlic.
How do I ensure the ricotta sauce is perfectly creamy?
The secret to a luscious, silky sauce lies in reserving some of the starchy pasta water. When combining the ricotta mixture with the cooked pasta, gradually add a tablespoon or two of this reserved water until the sauce reaches your desired smooth and creamy consistency. It helps emulsify everything beautifully.
How long can Lemon Ricotta Pasta be stored, and how should I reheat it?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water, milk, or extra olive oil to restore its creamy texture.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy pasta dish featuring bright lemon, creamy ricotta, and tender asparagus for a refreshing weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or preferred shape)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Zest of 1 large lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta. In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. If adding asparagus, toss it into the boiling water during the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta's cooking time. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and asparagus together.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatic Base. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Ricotta. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Emulsify. Add the drained pasta and cooked asparagus to the skillet with the fragrant garlic. Pour in the prepared ricotta mixture. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, continually stirring until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency. You might not need all of the reserved water.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can easily add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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