Description
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing dish that pairs rich ricotta cheese with bright lemon zest and juice. It’s a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or springtime gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sautéed garlic. Stir to mix well.
- Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber or protein.
- Add peas, spinach, or arugula for a veggie boost.
- Great served warm or at room temperature as a pasta salad variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 30mg