Easy Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe That Sings with Zest

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This creamy lemon ricotta pasta recipe delivers an elegant yet effortless meal in minutes.

Tangy lemon zest and smooth ricotta cheese create a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta strands.

Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic touch to this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Silky ricotta brings a velvety richness that elevates every single bite.

We love how this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Why Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Stands Out

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This pasta dish comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or fresh herbs like basil to create your own unique version that suits your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: The creamy lemon ricotta sauce offers a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both adults and kids, transforming a simple pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal that everyone will love.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Using just a few pantry staples, this recipe proves you can create an incredibly tasty dish without complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta Essential Ingredients

• Pasta: A delicate base that provides the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: A soft, smooth cheese that creates a luxurious and velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, aged cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that bring a fresh and tangy dimension to the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, fruity oil that helps bind the sauce and adds a subtle richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy element that introduces a gentle heat to the pasta.

Cooking Up Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Place your favorite pasta in a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, with just a slight bite.

Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set it aside.

Step 2: Create a Dreamy Sauce

• Smooth ricotta cheese
• Grated parmesan
• Bright lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Spicy red pepper flakes

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes a creamy, fragrant blend that promises incredible flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Transfer the steaming hot pasta directly into the sauce.

Gently fold and toss the pasta, ensuring every strand gets coated in the luxurious sauce.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth consistency.

The heat will help meld the flavors together, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.

Tips for a Dreamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum lemon flavor without the bitter white pith.
• Save some starchy cooking water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles.
• Grate or mince garlic finely to distribute its robust flavor evenly throughout the creamy ricotta mixture.
• Combine hot pasta with the ricotta mixture immediately to help melt the cheese and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Choose fresh, high-quality ricotta for the most authentic and rich flavor in your pasta dish.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta Flavor Combos

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ricotta with silken tofu blended until smooth, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Mediterranean Herbs Remix: Incorporate fresh basil, chopped oregano, and a sprinkle of za’atar to give the dish a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Ricotta Pasta

• Bright Side Salad: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to complement the pasta’s tangy flavor profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or pan-fried salmon to transform this into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Wine Companion: Serve alongside a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which will highlight the recipe’s zesty and creamy notes.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, parsley, or chives on top for an extra burst of freshness and vibrant green color.

Storage Guidance for Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover the pasta completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Warm pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir continuously and add a little olive oil or pasta water to help revive the sauce’s consistency.
• This creamy pasta does not freeze well due to ricotta’s delicate texture, which can separate and become grainy when thawed.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish vegetarian?

Yes, the creamy lemon ricotta pasta is completely vegetarian, using cheese, pasta, and simple seasonings without any meat ingredients.

• How do I prevent the ricotta from becoming watery?

Use whole milk ricotta and gently drain any excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients. The hot pasta will help create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately, but you can prepare the ricotta mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before mixing with hot pasta.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work perfectly, as they capture the creamy sauce well and provide good texture.

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky creamy lemon ricotta pasta delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, dancing with zesty brightness and smooth cheese comfort. Delicate pasta strands wrapped in luxurious sauce promise a quick, elegant dinner that whisks you straight to an Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquid and Citrus:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at a rolling boil until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract ¼ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking ricotta, grated parmesan, fragrant lemon zest, bright lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and zesty red pepper flakes in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Transfer piping hot pasta directly into the creamy sauce, gently folding and coating each strand with the vibrant mixture. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the noodles.
4. Allow the residual heat to meld flavors for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sauce embraces every curve of the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired for a perfectly balanced dish.
5. Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor punch. Optional: Finish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for added brightness.

Notes

• Swap whole milk ricotta for low-fat versions to reduce calories without compromising creamy texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe celiac-friendly and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Balance lemon’s brightness by adjusting citrus quantity based on personal taste preferences, ensuring a perfectly tangy yet not overpowering flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg