Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta, a quick yet elegant dish that brings together creamy ricotta and zesty lemon for a fresh culinary experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort. Enjoy the bright citrus notes paired with fresh basil and parmesan, creating a comforting meal that invites laughter and connection around the table.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until smooth.
Add warm pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss to combine while gradually adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
Fold in basil and parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added protein, incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp. Toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of water.