Description

A delightful pasta dish that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, creating a creamy sauce that perfectly coats al dente pasta. Enhanced with hints of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it's both easy to prepare and impressively elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional: 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional: 1 cup spinach or arugula

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. If using asparagus, add it to the pot during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and asparagus.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve: Serve your Lemon Ricotta Pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Variations: - Vegetarian Option: Substitute with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition. - Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions. - Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth. Storage: - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating: - To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 35mg