Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta to brighten up your dinner table. With its luscious, velvety texture and a vibrant pop of citrus, this dish is a perfect balance of rich and refreshing. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

I first fell in love with this dish during a summer trip to Italy, where fresh ricotta and lemons were a staple in nearly every meal. The combination was simple yet unforgettable. Now, it’s my go-to comfort meal whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet decadent pasta dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have dinner on the table in no time. The sauce comes together in minutes—no simmering or complicated steps required.

This dish is also light yet creamy. The ricotta cheese gives it a rich and silky texture, while the lemon juice and zest add brightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. Made with pantry staples like pasta, ricotta, and lemons, you won’t have to spend a fortune to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite add-ins like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for extra protein.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture.

The pasta is the foundation of the dish. I love using spaghetti or fettuccine because they allow the creamy sauce to cling perfectly to each strand. However, short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well too if you prefer something heartier.

The star of the sauce is ricotta cheese. Make sure to use full-fat ricotta for the best creamy texture. If you can find fresh ricotta, even better—it will elevate the dish to another level of richness and smoothness.

To bring in that bright, citrusy flavor, we rely on fresh lemon juice and zest. The zest is key—it infuses the dish with fragrant lemon oils, enhancing the flavor without making it overly tart.

For added depth, a touch of Parmesan cheese is essential. It not only adds a salty, nutty richness but also helps create a beautifully cohesive sauce when mixed with the warm pasta water.

Lastly, olive oil and garlic tie everything together. The garlic brings warmth and complexity, while a good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a silky finish that complements the creamy ricotta.

How To Make This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it gets, and the best part? It all comes together in just a few steps!

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it’s just al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as this will help create the perfect sauce consistency.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The mixture will be thick at first, but don’t worry—it will loosen up once the pasta is added.

Once the pasta is drained, immediately toss it into the ricotta mixture. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir vigorously to coat the noodles in the creamy, velvety sauce. Continue adding pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat.

Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. A final drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavors beautifully.

Storage Options

This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the ricotta to become grainy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how easily you can customize it to your liking.

Want to add some greens? Stir in a handful of baby spinach or arugula while tossing the pasta with the sauce. The heat from the pasta will wilt the greens perfectly.

For a protein boost, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. These additions complement the creamy lemon sauce beautifully.

If you’re looking for extra texture, try tossing in toasted pine nuts or almonds. Their crunch adds a delightful contrast to the velvety sauce.

To make it even zestier, add a touch of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They enhance the dish’s freshness and make it even more vibrant.

Gluten-free? No problem! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free.

This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a true gem—quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it to guests, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for that perfect finishing touch!

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