Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of creamy, sunshine-infused pasta that transports you to a breezy Italian kitchen in just 20 minutes! This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a quick, elegant escape that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. Pam's Spring Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the ultimate combination of simplicity and sophistication, promising restaurant-quality flavors without the complicated techniques or hours of preparation.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Choose a pasta shape like fusilli, penne, or spaghetti 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 pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining ricotta cheese, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the bowl with ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, light consistency.
- Fold in chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and basil.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is the secret to creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Temperature Matters: Toss the hot pasta into the ricotta mixture immediately to help create a creamy, emulsified sauce. The residual heat helps blend the flavors seamlessly.
- Zest Before Juicing: When preparing your lemon, zest it first while the fruit is whole. This makes zesting much easier and prevents losing those fragrant oils.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan and just-chopped basil for the most vibrant flavor. Pre-grated cheese and dried herbs simply can't compare.
- Don't Overcook: Aim for al dente pasta - it should have a slight bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its texture in the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
