Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, where each bite promises a burst of vibrant green peas and rich, silky ricotta cheese. This Italian-inspired Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta is not just a meal—it's a quick culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional craving a gourmet dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Choose a pasta shape like fusilli, penne, or farfalle that will hold the creamy sauce well.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in a small amount of olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and bright green. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the peas and garlic, creating a creamy base.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the ricotta and pea mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves. For added richness, you can drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil.
- Optional: For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest or red pepper flakes when tossing the pasta in the sauce.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is the secret to achieving a perfectly creamy, silky sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your skillet on low heat when adding ricotta to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Pasta Shape Selection: Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like fusilli or farfalle, which help capture more of the delicious sauce in every bite.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Don't skip the fresh basil garnish—it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additions like lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or even crispy pancetta to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
