Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table. With its silky, citrus-infused sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a delightful balance of tangy and creamy flavors. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

I first fell in love with this dish during a summer trip to Italy, where I discovered how beautifully fresh lemon pairs with creamy ricotta. Inspired by that experience, I created this easy yet elegant version that comes together in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible pasta dish! It's not just delicious – it's a weeknight dinner lifesaver.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few steps, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes.

You'll also love how light yet satisfying it is. The combination of creamy ricotta, bright lemon zest, and a touch of Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Plus, it’s super versatile. You can enjoy it as a meatless main dish, or add your favorite protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Best of all, it’s budget-friendly. Made with pantry staples like pasta, ricotta, and lemon, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavors.

Let’s start with the pasta. While any pasta will work, spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are excellent choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer a shorter pasta, penne or rigatoni also work well.

The star of the dish is ricotta cheese. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. If you want a lighter version, part-skim ricotta works too, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Fresh lemon zest and juice are what give this pasta its signature brightness. Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, as bottled juice lacks the same vibrant flavor.

A touch of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the ricotta mixture, making the sauce extra smooth.

For the best results, don’t forget a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes. These add just the right amount of richness and a subtle heat that balances the creamy and tangy flavors.

How To Make This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Making this pasta is as effortless as it is delicious. Here’s how it comes together.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water—this will help create the perfect creamy sauce.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. The mixture will be thick, but don’t worry—this is where the pasta water comes in.

Once the pasta is done, transfer it directly into the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add more pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, and give it a final toss. The heat from the pasta will gently warm the ricotta sauce, making it luxuriously creamy without needing to cook it further.

Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this pasta stores well! Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm it gently over low heat, stirring frequently. This helps loosen up the sauce and brings back its creamy texture.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the ricotta-based sauce. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to switch it up!

• Make it protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal.
• Go green: Stir in fresh spinach, arugula, or peas for a boost of color and nutrients.
• Try a different cheese: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick.
• Use a different pasta: Try it with whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary preferences.
• Make it extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.

No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is bound to become a new staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

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