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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 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.
- Fold in fresh basil just before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 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