Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta: An Incredible Comfort Food Delight

The aroma of lemon ricotta pasta wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine twirling strands of pasta coated in creamy, zesty ricotta, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs that dance on your taste buds, making you feel like you’ve just stepped into an Italian bistro.

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This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting yet impressively delicious. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering, the best lemon ricotta pasta will steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds—or thirds! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they took their first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta; I recommend fettuccine or spaghetti for optimal sauce coverage.
• Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta adds creaminess; look for high-quality, whole-milk varieties for the best flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish; bottled juice simply doesn’t compare.
• Zest of Lemon: The zest enhances the citrus flavor; make sure to use organic lemons to avoid pesticides.
• Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it adds depth to the sauce.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Fresh herbs elevate your dish; chop them finely for maximum flavor release.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is crucial; taste as you go to achieve perfection.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Create the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy—this will be your luscious sauce.

Toss in Flavor: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your cooked pasta along with the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through.

Add Pasta Water: If necessary, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should cling beautifully to each strand of pasta.

Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh herbs. The aroma will be irresistible—serve immediately while hot!

Garnish & Serve: Plate your best lemon ricotta pasta with an extra drizzle of olive oil and maybe some additional herbs on top for flair. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by boiling the pasta while you prepare the lemon-ricotta sauce. This ensures everything is perfectly timed and hot when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap out the ricotta for goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out.

Cooking this Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta always reminds me of my aunt’s dinner parties; everyone raved about how creamy and delicious it was! For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for pasta recipe.

FAQ

Can I use other cheeses besides ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone or cream cheese can work as delicious alternatives in this recipe.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Substitute ricotta with vegan cream cheese or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

What can I serve with this pasta dish?

Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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• Author: Annika Weber
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a quick, creamy delight that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With zesty lemon and rich ricotta, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests, ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, combine cooked pasta and ricotta mixture. Toss gently to combine.
4. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
5. Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs. Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 45mg