Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe with Creamy Zesty Sauce

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the perfect dish for those times when you want something light, tasty, and easy to put up. What more could you ask for in a pasta dish? It’s a lovely blend of vibrant, zesty lemon zest and velvety ricotta cheese. Each strand of spaghetti is hugged by the thick, velvety-smooth ricotta sauce, which is decadent without being overpowering. Meanwhile, the lemon offers a blast of citrus that quickly brightens the entire meal, giving it that ideal pop of freshness.

I originally came over this dish one evening when I was in need of something quick but filling and had a fridge full of strange stuff. A tub of ricotta and a fresh lemon were all it took to create something that felt wonderful. And it really did deliver! The creamy texture from the ricotta paired with the tart lemon was such a pleasant contrast, and the pasta absorbed all those flavors beautifully. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can keep it simple with just the ricotta and lemon, or toss in some fresh herbs, a sprinkling of Parmesan, or even roasted veggies for added flavor.

Ideal for:

Dinners on weeknights
Family meals
Spring and summer get-togethers
Easy and quick meals
Lovers of creamy pasta dishes

Top Ten Reasons to Love This Dish

Bright and Zesty Flavor: The lemon offers a vivid punch that wonderfully complements the creamy ricotta.
Creamy Texture: The ricotta provides a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta delightfully.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is excellent for hectic nights.
Fresh Ingredients: The recipe is enhanced with the addition of fresh lemon, ricotta, and herbs.
Perfect Balance: The tart lemon and creamy ricotta are wonderfully matched, neither dominating the other.
Customizable: Add vegetables, chicken, or shrimp for an added boost of flavor and protein.
Light Yet Filling: This spaghetti is robust enough to fill your hunger yet light enough to enjoy on warmer days.
Great for Leftovers: The spaghetti tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Comfort Food with a Twist: A cozy pasta meal that feels enhanced with the addition of fresh lemon and ricotta.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A meat-free choice that doesn’t scrimp on flavor or satisfaction.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Five minutes for preparation
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Four servings
Calories: Each dish has roughly 400–450 calories.
Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
One tablespoon of olive oil
Salt for water
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 big lemon
Half a teaspoon of powdered garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

Ricotta Cheese: Adds smoothness and a mild flavor that balances the tart lemon.
Lemon: The fresh zest and juice lend a delightful tang to the sauce.
Garlic powder: Gives the sauce depth without dominating the flavors of the lemons.
Olive oil: Improves the sauce’s flavor and gives it a smooth consistency.

Instructions

Heat a big pot of salted water until it boils.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the directions on the package.
Set aside 1 cup of the pasta’s cooking water for the sauce before draining.
After draining, set the pasta aside.
Combine the ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to make the ricotta sauce.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add a small amount of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce has the consistency you want.

Combine the cooked pasta and ricotta sauce in a bowl. Toss carefully to coat the noodles equally in the sauce.
Serve the spaghetti with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil and, if you’d like, an additional squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Here are nine ways to serve lemon ricotta pasta:

As a Light Dinner: For a revitalizing, full dinner, serve with a side salad.
With Grilled Chicken: For a filling supper and extra protein, top with grilled chicken.
With Shrimp: For a seafood twist, serve with sautéed shrimp.
Serve this pasta as a lighter alternative for a brunch gathering.
As a Side Dish: Serve as a side to accompany your favorite roasted meats.
With Garlic Bread: For a filling and tasty supper, serve with crispy garlic bread.
As a Meal Prep: Prepare this recipe in advance for a quick weekday lunch or dinner.
With Roasted veggies: Add roasted veggies, like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, for added taste and texture.
As a Picnic Dish: Pack it up for a quick, no-fuss supper on a sunny day.

Tips for the Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Use Fresh Ricotta: Use fresh ricotta rather than store-bought varieties for a creamier and more delicious sauce.
Zest the Lemon First: Before juicing the lemon, zest it for maximum flavor. This ensures you acquire the fragrant oils from the peel.
Pasta Water Is Crucial: To make the sauce creamier and thicker, save some pasta water before draining. The starchy water adds richness.
Season in Layers: Season the pasta and ricotta mixture gradually, tasting as you go. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper first, then adjust as necessary.
Add Fresh Herbs: The dish can be improved by adding fresh thyme, parsley, or basil. Chop and sprinkle them on top immediately before serving.
Upgrade with Protein: To add additional taste and texture to a heavier dinner, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A dish can be beautifully finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil of superior quality.
Lend Garlic: Sautéing a little garlic in olive oil before mixing with the pasta can lend a rich depth to the flavor.
Think About Adding Greens: To add color, flavor, and nutrients to the pasta, add peas, spinach, or arugula.
Serve with Grated Cheese: Top the spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to enhance the savory character and add a salty contrast to the ricotta.

Variations to Try

Add Grilled Vegetables: Include grilled mushrooms, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Lemon Spinach Ricotta Pasta: For more color and nutrients, add fresh spinach to the sauce.
Vegan Ricotta Pasta: For a vegan variation, use a dairy-free ricotta substitute.
Spicy Lemon Ricotta Pasta: To add some heat to the sauce, add a small amount of chile oil or red pepper flakes.
Pasta with Chicken and Lemon Ricotta: To make the meal heartier, mix the pasta with grilled chicken strips.
Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta: Add more garlic or garlic sautéed in olive oil for an extra punch.
Pesto Ricotta Pasta: Swirl in some pesto for a wonderfully herby flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

Big Pot: To boil pasta and set aside pasta water.
Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the ricotta sauce and toss the pasta.
Zester or Grater: To zest the lemon and impart fresh lemon flavor.
Tongs: To toss and serve the pasta.
Garlic Press (optional): If using fresh garlic instead of powder, a garlic press works great.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different varieties of pasta?: Yes, you may use any sort of pasta you prefer, from spaghetti to penne.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?: The pasta and sauce can be made in advance, but it’s preferable to combine them right before serving.
Can the leftovers be frozen?: While the dish is best served fresh, you may freeze the pasta for up to 1 month.
Is it possible to prepare this without dairy?: Yes, you can swap the ricotta with a dairy-free ricotta alternative.
How can I make the sauce thicker?: To thicken the sauce, you can reduce the pasta water or add additional ricotta.
Can I add additional herbs?: Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, or even a little of dill would work great in this recipe.
Is it possible to incorporate a protein into this recipe?: Indeed, it would be excellent to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beef bacon.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?: Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is it possible to create this dish without gluten?: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this meal using gluten-free spaghetti.
Can I serve this with a sauce on the side?: You can serve this pasta with a little cream or pesto sauce on the side for variety.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Pasta blends the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the smooth richness of ricotta cheese to create a light, creamy, and revitalizing dish. The ricotta provides a silky sauce that clings to the pasta, while the lemon gives a burst of freshness and acidity. When you’re looking for a filling but light meal, this recipe is ideal.

To make it, just toss the cooked pasta with the ricotta and lemon combination, adding a little pasta water to form a smooth, silky sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for more flavor, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds the richness. You may serve this spaghetti with grilled vegetables or your preferred protein as a side dish or as a main course.

I am eagerly awaiting the outcome of your Lemon Ricotta Pasta! I would love to see your lovely creations, so please make sure to tag me in your Instagram images. Remember to share how you customized this recipe in a comment!