Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
What makes this dish truly special is how simple and budget-friendly it is. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to use pantry staples like pasta, olive oil, and cheese, so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Microplane/Zester
- Juicer or fork
- Tongs or pasta spoon
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite shape
- Salt for boiling water
Ricotta Lemon Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk for the creamiest texture
- 1 large lemon zested and juiced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
To Finish:
- ½ cup pasta water reserved from boiling the pasta
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta (8-10 minutes)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water—it enhances the pasta’s flavor!)
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Pro Tip: Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Lemon Sauce (2-3 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together (2-3 minutes)
- Add the hot pasta directly into the bowl with the ricotta sauce. Toss well to coat every strand evenly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add a little reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) until you get a smooth, velvety texture.
- I love adding a final drizzle of olive oil here for extra richness!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve (1-2 minutes)
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Total Time: About 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~450-500 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~300-400mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.