Description
Savory lemon ricotta pasta with arugula delivers a zesty Mediterranean-inspired symphony of fresh flavors. Rich creamy ricotta and peppery arugula dance together, creating a simple yet elegant dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) short pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chili flakes
Garnish and Finishing:
- Olive oil for serving
- Extra Parmesan or pecorino cheese for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Thinly sliced or torn basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, carefully preserving 1 cup of the starchy liquid gold. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same pot, create a velvety sauce by whisking together ricotta, parmesan, bright lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
- Gradually incorporate pasta water, stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
- Reunite the pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing vigorously to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated. Adjust the sauce’s texture by adding more reserved pasta water if needed.
- Gently fold in fresh arugula, allowing its peppery leaves to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
- Transfer to serving dishes, drizzling with a golden stream of olive oil. Garnish with a flourish of additional parmesan, a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes, and delicate torn basil leaves. Accompany with zesty lemon wedges for a final burst of citrusy brightness.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and make the dish more substantial.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it’s crucial for creating a silky, smooth sauce consistency.
- Adjust lemon juice amount based on personal taste preference to balance tanginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg