Description
Silky lemon ricotta pasta delivers Italian comfort with zesty brightness. Creamy cheese and fresh herbs create a simple yet elegant meal for weeknight dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, carefully extracting and preserving 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden (approximately 60 seconds).
- Whisk ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a separate mixing vessel.
- Transfer cooked pasta directly into the warm skillet, folding the creamy ricotta blend throughout the noodles, incrementally introducing reserved pasta water to develop a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
- Continuously toss and coat pasta thoroughly, ensuring every strand is enveloped in the zesty, velvety mixture, then immediately remove from heat source.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley across the surface as a final garnish, presenting the dish while temperature remains optimal for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure pasta water is starchy and salty to help create a silky, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Use room temperature ricotta for smoother blending and easier incorporation into the pasta mixture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding more for heat lovers or reducing for milder palates.
- Consider swapping herbs like using fresh thyme or oregano instead of basil for a different aromatic profile that complements the creamy lemon base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg