Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
A creamy and zesty lemon ricotta pasta that combines rich cheese with fresh citrus for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with garlic and toss gently.
- Remove from heat and mix in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until a creamy consistency is achieved.
- Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for a richer texture.
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg