Fresh Lemon and Ricotta Cheese Pasta

User Reviews

5

6 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    695 kcal

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Fresh Lemon and Ricotta Cheese Pasta

Light and fresh, this creamy lemon ricotta pasta is a dinner favorite! It's easy to make in less than 30 minutes. With its bright lemon and velvety ricotta cheese sauce, this simple recipe will keep you coming back for more!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
  • 16 ounces fusilli
  • 16 ounces bucatini
  • 1 cup water reserved pasta water
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh
  • cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • ¾-1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
  • ⅛-¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
  • basil for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, just shy of al dente. Be sure to set out a measuring cup or a bowl under your strainer; you will need at least 1 cup of pasta water reserved.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest and juice, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. "Press" the ricotta against the bowl with a spatula to remove any lumps for a smoother sauce. Taste test and add salt as needed.
  3. Drain the pasta (remember to reserve pasta water!), but do not rinse. Place the pot back on a medium-low heat burner and melt the butter in the pan. Add garlic; saute for around 2 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  4. Add the ricotta cheese mixture to the pan and whisk to combine with butter and garlic. Pour in approximately 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to begin. Add the pasta back to the pot and stir to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. I usually add around 3/4 cup.
  5. Serve with fresh basil (truly, a game changer!) or chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.
Equipments used:

Notes

  • I highly recommend organic lemons! You'll need about 2 medium lemons for this recipe. Please do not use bottled lemon juice.
  • Strict vegetarians should look for a brand of parmesan cheese specifically labeled as such, or made with microbial enzymes. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 695kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 90g (30%) Protein 29g (58%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 6g (30%) Trans Fat 0.2g (10%) Cholesterol 77mg (26%) Sodium 679mg (28%) Potassium 398mg (8%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 722IU (14%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 326mg (33%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 695 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 695kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 90g 30%
Protein 29g 58%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 679mg 28%
Potassium 398mg 8%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 722IU 14%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 326mg 33%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

6 reviews
Excellent

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