Irresistible Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Gourmet Nights

There’s something magical about Lemon Ricotta Pasta that can make even the most mundane Tuesday night feel like a gourmet experience. Picture this: creamy ricotta mingling with zesty lemon, all swirled together with al dente pasta that’s just begging to be twirled on your fork. You can almost hear the angels singing as you take that first bite—and trust me, they’re not just any angels; they’re dressed in chef hats and aprons!

Now, let me take you back to a sunny afternoon when I decided to whip up this dish for a cozy dinner party. The kitchen was filled with laughter and the delightful aroma of citrus and cheese dancing through the air. My friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting their plates while I pretended to be an Italian nonna, complete with exaggerated hand gestures and an equally exaggerated accent. It was one of those moments where food truly brought us together, and Lemon Ricotta Pasta became the star of the show.

Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type—spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work beautifully in this recipe.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for a creamy texture that melts into the pasta perfectly.
• Lemon Zest: Choose organic lemons if possible; their zest adds an incredible burst of flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best! It brightens up the dish and enhances the ricotta.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will impart a wonderful aroma and flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil leaves add a touch of earthy freshness that complements the dish wonderfully.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes depending on your choice.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Don’t let it brown; we want aromatic garlic goodness!

Step 3: Prepare Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth—you’ll want it creamy yet vibrant! This will be your luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked and drained (reserve some pasta water), add it directly into the skillet with garlic. Pour in your ricotta mixture and toss well until everything is coated evenly. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, fold in chopped fresh basil for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference!

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your Lemon Ricotta Pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with additional basil or lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy—because who doesn’t want their dinner to look Instagram-worthy?

Dig into this delightful dish at any occasion—from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings with friends—because life is too short for boring meals! Enjoy every creamy forkful of this Lemon Ricotta Pasta adventure!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until al dente while preparing the lemon sauce. Whip up the ricotta with zest and juice, then combine everything, ensuring a creamy, flavorful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pasta type or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Experimenting with herbs like basil or parsley can elevate your dish even further.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

Sometimes I whip up this lemon ricotta pasta for friends, and they always rave about how fresh and bright it tastes—it’s become a beloved staple in my home!

FAQs:

What is Lemon Ricotta Pasta?

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a light and flavorful sauce. The pasta absorbs the citrusy notes while the ricotta adds richness. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering, as it balances simplicity with elegance.

How can I make Lemon Ricotta Pasta vegan?

To create a vegan version of Lemon Ricotta Pasta, substitute traditional ricotta with a plant-based alternative made from cashews or tofu. You can blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and garlic for a creamy texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain flavor without animal products.

Can I add vegetables to Lemon Ricotta Pasta?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables enhances the nutrition and flavor of Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Consider sautéing spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes in olive oil before mixing them into the pasta. These additions provide vibrant colors and fresh flavors that complement the rich ricotta and zesty lemon.

What type of pasta works best for Lemon Ricotta Pasta?

While you can use any type of pasta for Lemon Ricotta Pasta, short shapes like penne or fusilli work particularly well. They hold the creamy sauce nicely, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Long pasta varieties like spaghetti also work but may require more sauce to coat evenly.

Conclusion for Lemon Ricotta Pasta:

In summary, Lemon Ricotta Pasta offers a delicious blend of creamy ricotta cheese and zesty lemon flavors, making it an ideal choice for various occasions. With easy alternatives available for dietary preferences, everyone can enjoy this dish. Enhance your meal by adding seasonal vegetables for added nutrition. This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, encouraging creativity in the kitchen while remaining satisfying and wholesome.

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese and zesty lemon for a fresh, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings, offering a burst of brightness with every bite. Customize it with seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and pour in the ricotta mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually for desired creaminess.
5. Fold in fresh basil just before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil or lemon zest.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 30mg