Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, zesty pasta that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy - without spending hours in the kitchen. This Lemon and Ricotta Cheese Pasta is your culinary shortcut to a restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a dish that looks gourmet but feels like a delightful home-cooked comfort food. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this magical Italian-inspired recipe that proves deliciousness doesn't have to be complicated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 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 by combining ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, immediately transfer it to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The pasta should have a bright, tangy flavor from the lemon and a creamy texture from the ricotta.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For added richness, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot, enjoying the fresh and light flavors of this simple Italian-inspired dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, short pasta like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce best.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, smooth sauce. Don't drain it all away!
- Temperature Matters: Toss the hot pasta into the ricotta mixture immediately to help create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly zested lemon and high-quality ricotta for the most vibrant flavor.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks - it adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan to the plate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
