Description
Savory creamy lemon ricotta pasta brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in boiling water until al dente, maintaining a tender yet firm texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
- Craft a silky sauce by whisking ricotta, grated Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, fragrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Transfer steaming hot pasta directly into the ricotta mixture, gently folding and coating each strand. If the sauce appears dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes and a generous handful of freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley, adding vibrant color and aromatic complexity just before serving.
Notes
- Check pasta water salinity to enhance overall dish flavor, as it helps create a more cohesive sauce texture.
- Room temperature ricotta blends smoother, preventing clumpy sauce and ensuring silky consistency.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
- Fresh herbs like basil or chives can elevate the brightness of lemon and complement ricotta’s creamy profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg