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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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A quick and easy 20-minute pasta dish featuring creamy ricotta cheese and bright lemon zest and juice, perfect for a comforting yet light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, penne, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup (240g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful of chopped parsley or basil (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the shape. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Avoid browning the garlic.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (240g) whole-milk ricotta, juice and zest of 1 lemon, and ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic. Remove from heat. Spoon the ricotta-lemon mixture over the pasta, then toss gently with tongs or a pasta fork. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the noodles smoothly.
  5. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in chopped parsley or basil for freshness and color.
  6. Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve perfect creaminess. Add ricotta off the heat or on very low heat to prevent separation. Let ricotta come to room temperature before mixing for easier blending. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is ideal.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, lemon pasta, ricotta cheese pasta

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