Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Lemon Ricotta Pasta combines creamy ricotta cheese, bright lemon zest and juice, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, creating a sauce that clings to tender pasta like spaghetti or penne. The sauce includes sautéed garlic and freshly grated Parmesan, delivering a balanced tangy and savory flavor. This dish provides a creamy texture without heavy cream, relying on whole milk ricotta to achieve richness. It's suited for a comforting lunch or dinner when you want a fresh, lightly spiced pasta experience with a citrus note.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup ricotta cheese 8 oz, whole milk
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- As the pasta is cooking, the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and saute the garlic until golden.
- Add the ricotta and cook for 2 more minutes Add in the lemon zest and juice to the ricotta and stir to combine.
- Add in the freshly grated parmesan, red pepper flakes and salt. Give it a good stir. Add in 1/2 cup pasta water and mix to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the lemon ricotta sauce and toss gently to make sure it's fully coated with the creamy sauce. It the sauce is not creamy enough, add the rest of the pasta water and cook for a minute more.
- Garnish with more parmesan, fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Whole milk ricotta is essential for a creamy sauce; avoid reduced fat versions.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor than pre-grated.
- Spaghetti works well, but penne or rigatoni are good alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days and reheat with added Parmesan and water over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Do not freeze this pasta as it will lose its creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 435
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 435kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 28mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 573mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 256mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 259IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 181mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.