Description
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a creamy and zesty dish made with fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the ricotta cheese to the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese into the skillet and mix it into the ricotta until smooth and creamy.
- Zest the lemon and add the zest to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it into the ricotta mixture.
- Juice the lemon and add the juice to the skillet, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Season the ricotta mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
- Drain the pasta, making sure to shake off any excess water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ricotta mixture, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the fresh chopped basil to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the pasta is egg-free.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste for a more zesty flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg