Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Whenever I think of comfort food, my mind drifts to Lemon Ricotta Pasta. There’s something so uplifting about the vibrant flavors of lemon combined with the creamy texture of ricotta. This dish always brings back memories of warm spring evenings spent on the patio with friends, laughter filling the air, and the aroma of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. I recall the first time I made this Lemon Ricotta Pasta, feeling a bit nervous yet excited to try something new. As I stirred the creamy ricotta and fresh lemon juice together, the kitchen was filled with a fresh, delightful scent that spurred my anticipation. Each bite was a delightful surprise, and I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem!

This recipe is not only straightforward but also perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy days when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a casual family meal or an elegant gathering, Lemon Ricotta Pasta is sure to impress. From the first time I served it, I was amazed at how quickly my guests fell in love with the bright flavors and creamy texture. It’s a dish that never fails to elicit smiles and compliments!

Join me in discovering how to create this delightful dish that showcases simplicity and flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients, you’ll find yourself transported to a sunlit Italian terrace with each forkful. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Lemon Ricotta Pasta!

What Goes Into Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Every ingredient in this Lemon Ricotta Pasta plays a crucial role in delivering a burst of flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and refreshing. Let’s explore the key players in this delightful dish.

• 12 ounces of pasta: The base of this dish, pasta provides a satisfying texture and serves as a vehicle for the creamy sauce.
• 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and depth of flavor.
• 3 cups of packed spinach leaves: Fresh spinach contributes color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness to the dish.
• 1 finely minced shallot: Shallots provide a subtle sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• 4 cloves of minced garlic: Garlic adds aromatic depth and a savory note that elevates the dish.
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese: The star of the dish, ricotta is creamy and rich, making the sauce luscious.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Provides bright citrus notes that awaken the senses.
• 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to balance the creaminess.
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Garnish: Freshly chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese add the finishing touches.

Making Lemon Ricotta Pasta

As we embark on the journey of creating Lemon Ricotta Pasta, you’ll find it’s simpler than you might think. The steps flow easily, allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking. Let’s get started!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is the foundation for cooking your pasta. Ensure the water is at a rolling boil to achieve the perfect texture. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. The pasta should have a slight bite to it, making it perfect for absorbing the sauce.
2. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This water is liquid gold, helping to create a creamy sauce later on. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. The residual heat will keep it warm.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoking. Once the olive oil is shimmering, add the spinach and shallot. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and the shallot is translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning. You’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen—this is the magic of cooking!
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese. The ricotta should start to melt and combine with the other ingredients. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
6. Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring again until everything is well combined. This is where the dish comes to life, with the sauce becoming smooth and luscious. You may need to add a bit more water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
7. Now, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This adds depth of flavor and creaminess to the sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The seasoning is essential; it ties the dish together beautifully.
8. Finally, add in the drained pasta and toss well, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy ricotta sauce. This step is crucial, as you want every bite to be rich and flavorful.
9. Garnish your Lemon Ricotta Pasta with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. You can also squeeze an extra bit of lemon juice on top for an added zing.
10. Serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the flavors to shine.

Ways to Customize

Customization is key to making Lemon Ricotta Pasta your own. Here are some ideas to inspire you to add your unique twist to this dish:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the sauce separately from the pasta. The sauce can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before mixing.
• Pairing: Lemon Ricotta Pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread. Consider a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors.
• Add Protein: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Just sauté them alongside the shallots for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: Experiment with seasonal vegetables. Asparagus, peas, or even cherry tomatoes make excellent additions!
• Different Cheeses: Instead of ricotta, try using mascarpone or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick, add red pepper flakes or even a splash of lemon zest for an extra zing!

Serve This Lemon Ricotta Pasta With

Serving Lemon Ricotta Pasta is all about enhancing the experience. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful:

• A Light Salad: Pair with a refreshing arugula salad topped with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery notes of arugula complement the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a cozy touch that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add a colorful and nutritious side.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the lemony flavors of the dish.
• Picnic Perfect: This pasta is a wonderful choice for a picnic! Pack it in a container and enjoy it al fresco on a warm day.
• Lunch Leftovers: Enjoy the leftovers cold as a pasta salad for a quick lunch. The flavors continue to develop and can be just as delightful!
• Special Occasions: Dress up your table with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a touch of elegance during dinner parties.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Lemon Ricotta Pasta lies in its simplicity and vibrant flavors. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ve created a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy of cooking this delightful dish. Trust me, once you taste the creamy ricotta combined with zesty lemon and fresh greens, you’ll find it impossible not to fall in love!

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

The ultimate comfort food! This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is creamy, zesty, and incredibly easy to whip up. With a few fresh ingredients, you'll create a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Impress your family and friends with this quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and memorable!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces pasta
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups packed spinach leaves
• 1 shallot minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon Zest of
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• freshly chopped basil for garnish
• crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
• Parmesan cheese for garnish
• lemon juice for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the pasta. Pour the pasta back into the pot.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the spinach and shallot and cook until spinach is wilted. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice and stir until creamy. Add the reserved pasta water and stir again until well combined. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Add in the pasta and stir well until pasta is well coated in the ricotta sauce. Garnish with basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also add an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you want a stronger lemon flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess.
• Tip 2: If you want to freeze this dish, it's best to store the sauce separately from the pasta. The sauce can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before mixing.
• Tip 3: Pair with a refreshing arugula salad topped with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery notes of arugula complement the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Just sauté them alongside the shallots for extra flavor.
• Tip 5: Enjoy the leftovers cold as a pasta salad for a quick lunch. The flavors continue to develop and can be just as delightful!

Keyword Easy Pasta Dish, Italian Ricotta Pasta, Lemon Cream Sauce, Lemon Pasta Recipe

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.