Description
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is creamy, bright, and ready in just 25 minutes. Fresh lemon zest, whole milk ricotta, and Parmesan create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti. A quick and easy Italian-inspired dinner that feels light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2–3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional protein addition)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large bowl, whisk ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add hot drained pasta directly to the ricotta mixture. Toss immediately to coat evenly.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, tossing continuously until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.
- Stir in butter if using. Fold in spinach and allow it to wilt from the heat of the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Do not rinse pasta after draining; starch helps the sauce cling.
- Add pasta water slowly to control sauce consistency.
- Avoid overheating during reheating to prevent ricotta from becoming grainy.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg