Fresh Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe: Zesty Magic

Creamy, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavors, this lemon ricotta pasta with arugula delivers a delightful culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

The combination of silky ricotta and bright citrus notes creates a harmonious balance in every bite.

Tender pasta mingles with peppery arugula, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort dish.

Whipped together in mere minutes, this recipe proves that elegant meals don’t require complex techniques.

The ricotta adds a luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the tangy lemon and peppery greens.

Quick, simple, and utterly delicious, this pasta promises to become a go-to meal for those seeking a quick yet impressive dinner.

Dive into this refreshing and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 20 min

Total Time: 35min

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything in Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula

• Pasta: Pasta is the heart of this dish, choose a shape that catches sauce like penne or fusilli for maximum flavor absorption.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid gold that helps create a silky, smooth sauce with perfect consistency.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that provides luxurious texture and subtle milky richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds deep umami and salty complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus essence that lifts the entire dish with vibrant aromatics.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy liquid that balances the richness and adds refreshing acidity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and harmonize all flavor profiles.
• Olive Oil: Smooth finishing touch that adds glossy richness and depth.

• Arugula: Peppery green that introduces a crisp, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Basil: Optional herb that provides fragrant, sweet herbal notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy accent that brings gentle heat and excitement to the dish.

What You’ll Need to Cook Creamy Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and making the sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure pasta water accurately.
• Grater: For zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Wooden spoon or whisk: Perfect for stirring and combining sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing lemon and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Assists in zesting lemon and slicing lemon wedges.
• Serving bowl: For presenting the pasta family-style or individually.

Easy Instructions for a Bright, Cheesy Pasta Dish

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until tender. Save a cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining the noodles.

• Creamy Lemon Base

In the same pot, blend ricotta cheese with Parmesan, bright lemon zest, and tangy juice. Season with salt and pepper for a vibrant flavor profile.

• Sauce Consistency

Gradually mix in pasta water, creating a silky smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. Adjust liquid until the texture feels luxurious and light.

• Combining Elements

Gently fold pasta into the zesty sauce, ensuring each strand gets coated with the creamy mixture. The sauce should feel light and glossy.

• Fresh Green Finish

Toss fresh arugula into the warm pasta, allowing the greens to slightly wilt and release their peppery essence.

• Serving Style

Transfer to a stunning serving dish, drizzle with high-quality olive oil. Sprinkle extra Parmesan, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Tips to Adjust Flavor, Add Protein, or Swap Greens

• Creative Twists and Helpful Hints
• Replace arugula with baby spinach, fresh basil leaves, or tender kale for a different flavor profile and nutritional boost.
• Toss in grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, sautéed shrimp, or white beans to transform this light pasta into a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with creamy goat cheese, tangy feta, or aged pecorino instead of Parmesan to create unique taste experiences.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, crispy breadcrumbs, or crushed pistachios on top for an unexpected crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Pairing and Serving Ricotta Pasta

• Refreshing Lunch Companion: Pair this zesty pasta with a crisp garden salad featuring cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes for a light, balanced meal.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Serve in wide, shallow pasta bowls garnished with delicate lemon wedges and fresh arugula sprigs to create a restaurant-style visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the bright, creamy dish with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which will enhance the lemon's citrusy notes and cut through the ricotta's richness.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or seared shrimp on top for extra protein, transforming this vegetarian pasta into a more substantial main course that satisfies hearty appetites.

Storing and Reheating Ricotta Pasta Bowls

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double portion and store extra sauce separately for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated sauce stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Keep unbaked sauce in sealed containers for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with fresh pasta water to restore creamy texture.
• Prep-Ahead Tricks: Chop fresh herbs and zest lemons in advance, storing in small containers to streamline cooking process. Ingredients stay vibrant when sealed tightly in refrigerator.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pasta into a cold salad by adding extra arugula, diced cucumber, and a splash of olive oil. Chilled version makes an excellent lunch option for next day's meal.

Bright Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon ricotta pasta with arugula combines zesty citrus and peppery greens in a quick Mediterranean-inspired dish. Home chefs can craft this elegant meal in under 30 minutes for a refreshing culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) short pasta, like penne or rigatoni
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons
• 2 cups (60 g) arugula
• Basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes for serving
• Olive oil for serving
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil water in a large pot, season generously with salt. Cook pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve one cup of starchy cooking water before draining.
2. Sauce Creation: In the same pot or skillet, blend ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Gradually whisk in reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Combining Elements: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing vigorously to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce thickness by incorporating additional pasta water if needed.
4. Finishing Touches: Gently fold in arugula leaves, allowing them to soften from residual heat. Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with extra virgin olive oil, additional Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and lemon wedges for a vibrant, zesty finish.

Notes

• Boost Pasta Water: Save 1 cup of starchy pasta water to create a silky, creamy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
• Balance Sauce Texture: Whisk reserved water gradually into ricotta mixture to achieve a smooth, luxurious consistency without clumping.
• Wilt Arugula Perfectly: Add arugula off the heat to preserve its peppery flavor and prevent overcooking while maintaining a fresh, vibrant green color.
• Elevate Final Touch: Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes to add layers of flavor and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg