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Home » Recipes & Tips » Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

03/02/23 | 30 Minutes or Less, Main Dish, Recipes & Tips

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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!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!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!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!

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!

lemon ricotta pasta in a skillet garnished with fresh herbs

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.

minced garlic and red pepper flakes in a skillet on the stovetop
ricotta cheese with minced garlic in a skillet on the stovetop
bubbling lemon ricotta pasta sauce with grated cheese added on top in a skillet on the stovetop
lemon ricotta pasta sauce with spaghetti and lemon zest added on top in a skillet
lemon ricotta pasta in a skillet garnished with fresh herbs

Instructions For Ricotta Lemon Pasta

  1. Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
  3. Once the olive oil is shimmering, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds.
  4. Add in the parmesan, ricotta, lemon zest, and pasta water.
  5. Stir to combine let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Add the pasta and stir to coat.
  7. 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.

How long is ricotta pasta good for?

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.

What is the best ricotta cheese to use when making ricotta pasta?

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.

Does ricotta cheese melt when making ricotta pasta?

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.

What does ricotta cheese taste like?

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.

lemon ricotta pasta on a black plate garnished with fresh herbs
lemon ricotta pasta in a skillet garnished with fresh herbs
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword lemon ricotta pasta, ricotta cheese pasta, ricotta pasta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 387kcal
Author Longbourn Farm – Alli Kelley
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Equipment

  • Redmond Real Salt
  • Non-Stick Frying Pans
  • Measuring Cups + Spoons
  • Liquid Measuring Cups
  • Wooden Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound spaghetti
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup parmesan
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon basil fresh, minced
US Customary – Metric

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.
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Nutrition

Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 446IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 293mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @longbournfarm or tag #longbournfarm!

Comments | 3 comments

« Honey Lemon Cupcakes
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Comments

  1. Caitlin says

    August 6, 2022 at 9:00 AM

    This looks like great quick recipe! My garden is overflowing with tomatoes. Can I use fresh instead?

    Reply
    • Alli says

      August 9, 2022 at 8:57 AM

      Yes you can! I also have a recipe for chili with fresh tomatoes if that’s of interest 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sammi Windley says

    December 30, 2017 at 7:50 PM

    5 stars
    Skillet pasta is such a good idea! So easy!

    Reply

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Hi, Friend!


Alli Kelley is an Agriculture focused entrepreneur. She runs a successful food blog, a consulting and coaching business, and all the social media connected with an online presence.

She also owns and operates a small, diversified farmstead where she enjoys home improvement projects, experimenting in the garden, creating profitable mini businesses on the farm, and of course, riding her big grey horse, Zane.
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