Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the perfect dish for those nights when you want something light, flavorful, and easy to whip up. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy ricotta cheese and the bright, refreshing zest of lemon—what more could you want in a pasta dish? The ricotta sauce is velvety smooth, hugging each strand of pasta with a richness that feels indulgent without being heavy. Meanwhile, the lemon adds a burst of citrus that instantly lifts the entire dish, giving it that perfect pop of freshness.
I first discovered this dish on one of those evenings when I had a fridge full of random ingredients and just needed something quick yet satisfying. A tub of ricotta and a fresh lemon were all it took to create something that felt special. And boy, did it deliver! The creamy texture from the ricotta combined with the tangy lemon was such a delightful contrast, and the pasta absorbed all those flavors beautifully. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can keep it simple with just the ricotta and lemon, or add in some fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even roasted veggies for extra flavor.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Spring and summer gatherings
- Quick, easy meals
- Lovers of creamy pasta dishes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Lemon Ricotta Pasta will become your go-to meal:
- Bright and Zesty Flavor: The lemon adds a vibrant punch that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta.
- Creamy Texture: The ricotta creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh lemon, ricotta, and herbs elevates the dish.
- Perfect Balance: The tangy lemon and creamy ricotta are perfectly balanced, neither overpowering the other.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, chicken, or shrimp for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
- Light Yet Filling: This pasta is hearty enough to satisfy your hunger but light enough to enjoy on warmer days.
- Great for Leftovers: The pasta tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: A comforting pasta dish that feels elevated with the addition of fresh lemon and ricotta.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A meat-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for water
For the Ricotta Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild flavor that balances the zesty lemon.
- Lemon: The fresh zest and juice bring a refreshing tang to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the lemony flavors.
- Olive Oil: Creates a smooth consistency for the sauce and enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Ricotta Sauce:
- Mix Ricotta Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the ricotta sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil or parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Lemon Ricotta Pasta:
- As a Light Dinner: Serve with a side salad for a refreshing, complete meal.
- With Grilled Chicken: Top with grilled chicken for added protein and a satisfying meal.
- With Shrimp: Pair with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
- For a Brunch Dish: Serve this pasta as a lighter option at a brunch gathering.
- As a Side Dish: Serve as a side to complement your favorite roasted meats.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
- As a Meal Prep: Make this dish ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables, like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, for extra flavor and texture.
- As a Picnic Dish: Pack it up for an easy, no-fuss meal on a sunny day.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Ricotta: For a creamier and more flavorful sauce, use fresh ricotta instead of store-bought versions.
- Zest the Lemon First: To get the most flavor, zest the lemon before juicing it. This ensures you get the aromatic oils from the peel.
- Pasta Water is Key: Save some pasta water before draining to help thicken the sauce and make it creamier. The starchy water adds richness.
- Season in Layers: Season the pasta and ricotta mixture gradually, tasting as you go. Start with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and adjust accordingly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can elevate the dish. Chop and sprinkle them on top right before serving.
- Upgrade with Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a beautiful finish to the dish.
- Add Garlic: Sautéing a little garlic in olive oil before mixing with the pasta can add a rich depth to the flavor.
- Consider Adding Greens: Spinach, arugula, or peas can be added to the pasta for a boost of color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Serve with Grated Cheese: Top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to enhance the savory profile and add a salty contrast to the ricotta.
Recipe Variations
- Add Grilled Vegetables: Toss in grilled vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Lemon Spinach Ricotta Pasta: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
- Vegan Ricotta Pasta: Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative for a vegan version.
- Spicy Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili oil to the sauce for some heat.
- Pasta with Chicken and Lemon Ricotta: Add grilled chicken strips to the pasta for a heartier dish.
- 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 deliciously herby twist.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta and reserving pasta water.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the ricotta sauce and tossing the pasta.
- Zester or Grater: To zest the lemon and add 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.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, from spaghetti to penne. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to toss them together just before serving. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to 1 month. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute 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 more ricotta. - Can I add other herbs?
Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, or even a bit of dill would work well in this dish. - Can I add a protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beef bacon would be delicious additions. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish. - Can I serve this with a sauce on the side?
You can serve this pasta with a light cream or pesto sauce on the side for variety.
Conclusion
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a light, creamy, and refreshing dish that combines the smooth richness of ricotta cheese with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. The ricotta creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta, while the lemon adds a burst of freshness and tang. This dish is perfect for when you want something satisfying but not too heavy.
To make it, simply toss your cooked pasta in the ricotta and lemon mixture, adding a bit of pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra flavor, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the richness. This pasta works well as a main dish or a side, and you can pair it with grilled vegetables or your favorite protein.
I can’t wait to see how your Lemon Ricotta Pasta turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!