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Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and creamy lemon ricotta pasta that combines fresh lemon zest and juice with smooth ricotta cheese for a bright, comforting weeknight meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne; whole wheat preferred)
  • 1 cup (240 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese, drained if watery
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A small handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water).
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Reserve about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with garlic and olive oil; toss to coat evenly.
  7. Turn off the heat and add ricotta, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta; stir gently to combine.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until creamy consistency is reached.
  9. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Transfer pasta to serving bowls and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  12. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

If ricotta is watery, strain it for 10-15 minutes before use to avoid a runny sauce. Stir ricotta into pasta off the heat to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and create a silky texture. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Garlic should be sautéed gently to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, lemon pasta, ricotta cheese recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-for-quick-and-delicious-weeknight-dinners/