The Zesty Magic of Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe

Creamy ricotta and zesty lemon refine ordinary pasta into a culinary delight that dances with bright, tangy flavors.

The combination whispers of sunny Mediterranean kitchens and simple, elegant dining experiences.

Soft, pillowy ricotta cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta.

Delicate citrus notes cut through the richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy base.

Minimal ingredients work magic, proving that exceptional meals rarely require complex techniques or hours of preparation.

Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, this dish speaks to home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Smooth textures and vibrant flavors promise a quick, satisfying meal that will become a weeknight favorite.

Why Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon Feels Like Summer

• Zest Up Your Meal: The lemon brings a bright, tangy burst that transforms this simple pasta into a refreshing culinary experience.
• Creamy Comfort in Minutes: Ricotta and parmesan create a luxurious, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand with rich, cheesy goodness in just 15 minutes.
• One-Skillet Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch solutions.
• Customize Your Flavor: The flexible recipe allows easy protein swaps like shrimp, chicken, or keeping it vegetarian, while additional toppings like chives and red pepper flakes let you personalize each bite.

Ingredients for Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon Goodness

• Pasta: Classic pasta choice for a quick and delightful meal, choose medium-sized noodles that hold sauce well.

• Shrimp: Fresh ocean protein that adds sweet and tender texture to the dish, select medium-sized shrimp for best results.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy Italian cheeses that create a rich and smooth sauce, look for fresh and high-quality options.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that add freshness and tang to the pasta, choose ripe and fragrant lemons.
• Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Italian Seasonings, Red Pepper Flakes: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance overall flavor profile, select high-quality dried seasonings.

• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth oil for cooking and garnishing, choose extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Chives: Fresh herb that provides a mild onion-like garnish, select bright green and crisp chives.

How to Make Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle the Seafood

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp until they turn light pink and become tender, moving them around occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions carefully. Keep the pasta slightly firm to the bite. Before draining, carefully scoop out one cup of pasta water using a measuring cup and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Black pepper
• Sea salt
• Italian seasonings
• Red pepper flakes

Pour the reserved pasta water over the ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to gently toss and coat every strand of pasta with the luxurious cheese sauce.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Drizzle of olive oil
• Extra sprinkle of black pepper
• Additional red pepper flakes
• Freshly chopped chives

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy. 🍝🌿

Pro Tips for Creamy and Bright Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

• Maximize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect chewy bite and prevent mushy noodles.
• Preserve Pasta Water Magic: Always save a cup of starchy pasta water, which helps create a silky, clingy sauce that beautifully coats every noodle.
• Balance Lemon Brightness: Zest and juice work together- the zest provides intense citrus aroma while juice adds tangy freshness without overwhelming the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add ricotta and parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Seasoning Layer Strategy: Sprinkle seasonings gradually while tossing, ensuring even distribution of black pepper, red pepper flakes, and herbs for consistent flavor in every bite.

Store and Reheat Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Transfer pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy ricotta sauce might slightly separate but will still taste delicious.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.
• Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Well with Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this lemony pasta with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright citrus notes and cut through the creamy ricotta.
• Fresh Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to add a vibrant green color and enhance the dish's aromatic profile with a burst of herbal freshness.
• Crunchy Side Kick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta and provide a contrasting crisp texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken or seared scallops as an optional protein to make the dish more substantial and add extra depth of flavor.

Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon: Fun Flavor Variations

• Seafood Symphony: Replace shrimp with seared scallops or tender crab meat for an elegant ocean-inspired pasta experience that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blend: Swap protein with roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and grilled eggplant to create a vibrant vegetarian version packed with Mediterranean charm.
• Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, and oregano instead of Italian seasonings, adding chopped spinach and garlic for an aromatic green-infused pasta that bursts with herbal freshness.
• Spicy Protein Punch: Introduce chorizo or spicy Italian sausage instead of shrimp, boosting the dish's heat level and creating a robust, hearty meal with deeper flavor complexity.

Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky ricotta and zesty lemon dance together in this elegant Italian pasta dish. Quick and simple ingredients create a refreshing meal that sparks joy with each delicate, creamy bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk ricotta cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Herbs:

• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon zest
• Chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature and sauté shrimp until they transform into a light pink hue, ensuring they are just cooked through without becoming rubbery.
2. Simultaneously, fill a separate pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, typically following package recommendations.
3. Before draining the pasta, carefully extract and reserve one cup of the starchy cooking liquid, which will help create a silky sauce later.
4. Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the cooked shrimp, creating a unified cooking surface.
5. Scatter ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice across the pasta. Sprinkle black pepper, sea salt, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes evenly over the mixture.
6. Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet and gently toss all ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula until the noodles become completely enrobed in a creamy, zesty sauce.
7. Plate the pasta in warm serving bowls, optionally drizzling a touch of olive oil on top and garnishing with additional black pepper, red pepper flakes, and freshly chopped chives for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Starchy pasta water is the secret ingredient that helps create a smooth, silky sauce by allowing the cheese to melt and coat the noodles perfectly.
• Quick Protein Options: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or keep it vegetarian by skipping the protein entirely for a light, zesty pasta dish.
• Cheese Texture Tip: Use room temperature ricotta for easier mixing and a creamier sauce that blends seamlessly with the pasta.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the cheeses and adding a vibrant, refreshing touch.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust red pepper flakes and black pepper to control the heat level, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Storage Hack: This pasta tastes best when served immediately, but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. Gently reheat with a splash of pasta water to restore creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg