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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a quick and delicious comfort meal that features a creamy ricotta cheese sauce brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta dish blends simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a satisfying, fresh, and vibrant meal perfect for any season. Ideal for light dinners or as a customizable crowd-pleaser, it offers a balance of rich creaminess and zesty citrus flavor with the option to add proteins, veggies, or dietary adaptations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (preferably at room temperature)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or gluten-free pasta)

Pantry Staples

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce later.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Ricotta Sauce: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper while slowly mixing in olive oil to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Gently heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and golden but not burnt, about 1 to 2 minutes, to infuse the oil with richness.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic oil, then turn off the heat. Add the lemon ricotta mixture, tossing everything together gently. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
  5. Final Touches: Top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if needed for a bright finish.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest greatly enhance the flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is essential for emulsifying the sauce to achieve a silky texture.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
  • Let Ricotta Warm: Bringing ricotta to room temperature helps it blend smoothly with other ingredients.
  • Adjust Acidity Carefully: Add lemon juice gradually to avoid making the sauce too sour.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, lemon pasta, ricotta cheese pasta

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/lemon-ricotta-pasta/