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Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain and set aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water! It’s essential for creating a smooth, silky sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Ricotta Sauce
- Heat olive oil and garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add ricotta and lemon: Stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well, and then add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency. You can add more pasta water if needed, depending on how thick or creamy you want your sauce to be.
- Season: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it’s nice and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the ricotta sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary. This is your chance to make sure the flavors are just right!
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, and top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. For added color and flavor, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness of your lemon ricotta pasta. It’s the perfect balance of fresh and comforting!
Tips for the Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta:
- Use Fresh Ricotta: If possible, try to use fresh ricotta for a creamier, more flavorful sauce. Store-bought ricotta works just fine, but fresh ricotta will give you the best texture and taste.
- Customize with Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits for extra protein. You can also throw in roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Vegan: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can easily swap out the ricotta and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives. There are many vegan ricotta cheeses available on the market that will work just as well.
- Lemon Lovers: For an even zestier dish, add more lemon zest to the sauce or squeeze in extra lemon juice to really let the citrus shine.
- Leftovers: This pasta is delicious as leftovers, but if it thickens too much after refrigeration, simply stir in a little bit of warm pasta water before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and bright, making it an excellent choice for any season. The lemon provides a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the ricotta, while the Parmesan adds a salty depth of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. In just a few simple steps, you can create a meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours!
It’s also a great base recipe that you can adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal on its own or pair it with a protein for something more substantial, Lemon Ricotta Pasta will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Final Thoughts
If you love pasta and enjoy dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare, Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a must-try! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a light, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. So grab your pasta and lemon, and let the creamy goodness begin!
