Silky Lemon Ricotta Pasta That Feels Like a Dream Dinner
A creamy and bright pasta dish made with ricotta, lemon, and parmesan for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Equipment
- pot
- medium bowl
Ingredients
- 10 ounces short pasta
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ to 1 lemon juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- a pinch red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- small handful fresh basil thinly sliced
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until tender according to the package directions.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the ricotta mixture to the hot pasta along with a small splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add more pasta water a little at a time until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, then serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh lemon for best flavor. Add pasta water gradually for ideal consistency. Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg
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