For a quick meal that is simple yet scrumptious - you have to try this lemon ricotta pasta! The sweet, zesty lemon flavor combined with creamy ricotta cheese is a match made in heaven. Plus, this dish is effortless to make and is the best way to spruce up a boring weeknight meal!
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My ricotta pasta sauce recipe utilizes ricotta and pasta water for the base. The addition of garlic and lemon zest adds a burst of bright flavor - giving the dish a bright and tangy twist! And, of course, the ricotta cheese adds an irresistibly creamy texture to this ricotta lemon pasta dish.
To really take this ricotta pasta to the next level, add a sprinkle of basil for a pop of color, flavor, and freshness. Feel free to make your own ricotta cheese at home or go for store-bought, whichever you prefer. No matter what you do, ricotta cheese pasta is the perfect balance of easy and delicious - making it ideal for busy families who still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Why You'll Love Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Quick to make. All the ingredients to make ricotta pasta sauce are simply thrown into a skillet, cooked together, and voila! You have a super yummy ricotta pasta that took less than 15 minutes to make.
- Uses pantry staples. Most of us have a box of pasta stored away in our kitchens! Ricotta lemon pasta is one of the best ways to use pantry staples and still make a spectacular meal.
- Completely versatile. You can use whatever pasta you have on hand, and it will still taste amazing. If you want to add in some chicken, fish, or extra veggies - go right ahead! Ricotta pasta is very forgiving and can accommodate whatever extra ingredients you like.
Ingredients For Ricotta Cheese Pasta
- Spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan
- Ricotta cheese
- Lemon zest
- Pasta water
- Basil
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Instructions For Ricotta Lemon Pasta
- Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Once the olive oil is shimmering, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Add in the parmesan, ricotta, lemon zest, and pasta water.
- Stir to combine let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the pasta and stir to coat.
- Top with fresh basil.
What can you serve with lemon ricotta pasta?
This meal is pretty substantial on its own, but who doesn't love more food?! My Italian herb and cheese bread would taste amazing dipped in the ricotta pasta sauce! As would some crusty ciabatta bread. For something a little lighter, try my avocado salad or easy cucumber salad - both of which are super delicious.
Ricotta pasta is also a wonderful side dish! You can serve lemon ricotta pasta alongside your favorite proteins, such as herb crusted salmon or crispy oven-baked chicken.
Ricotta pasta is best eaten the day it is cooked, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 5 days. I would advise waiting to add the ricotta cheese until you're ready to reheat and serve the dish.
You can use whatever ricotta cheese you find in the store. However, full-fat ricotta cheese is the best option as it gives this dish a creamy texture and rich flavor. Keep in mind that low-fat ricotta cheese can be quite watery and won't give the same result as full-fat.
Ricotta cheese does not melt as other cheeses do. Ricotta is soft, so it mixes and blends well with other ingredients, but it won't melt like cheddar or mozzarella cheese. In this ricotta cheese pasta recipe, we simply place tablespoons of ricotta cheese on top of the cooked pasta. Doing this will ensure that the ricotta cheese is creamy yet still holds its shape.
Ricotta is one of the most versatile cheeses out there. The flavor of ricotta cheese is mild yet slightly sweet and creamy. It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes because it helps balance out the flavors of the sauce - while also working well in desserts like cheesecakes.
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Equipment
- Non-Stick Frying Pans
Ingredients
- ½ pound spaghetti
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup parmesan
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ⅓ cup pasta water
- 1 tablespoon basil (fresh, minced)
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Once the olive oil is shimmering, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Add in the parmesan, ricotta, lemon zest, and the pasta water.
- Stir to combine let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the pasta and stir to coat.
- Top with fresh basil.
Caitlin
This looks like great quick recipe! My garden is overflowing with tomatoes. Can I use fresh instead?
Alli
Yes you can! I also have a recipe for chili with fresh tomatoes if that's of interest 🙂
Sammi Windley
Skillet pasta is such a good idea! So easy!