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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Before draining the pasta, carefully extract and reserve one cup of the starchy cooking liquid, which will help create a silky sauce later.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the cooked shrimp, creating a unified cooking surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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