Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A bowl of creamy pasta garnished with lemon wedges and sprinkled with chopped parsley. The pasta appears coated in a sauce, and the bright lemons add a fresh touch to the dish. The setting includes a textured gray cloth underneath.

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is an easy, creamy dish with a bright lemon kick and a smooth, velvety sauce.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

1 large skillet

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 lemons zested and juiced
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. 1 pound spaghetti.
While pasta cooks, in a large bowl whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 lemons.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter together. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic.
Add drained hot pasta to the skillet with garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat.
Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta, stirring until well combined.
Add pasta water a little at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency. (start with 1/2 cup water) 1 cup reserved pasta water.
Season with salt and pepper. 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tip:

Slowly adding pasta cooking water while tossing helps the lemon ricotta mixture blend smoothly into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Start with a little and add more as needed to get the right consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 13gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 375mgPotassium: 244mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 197IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg

Keyword 30 minute meals, lemon, meatless meal, pasta

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