Creamy Ricotta Pasta – Quick & Easy Italian Dinner
A fast and creamy ricotta pasta recipe made with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
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1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup reserved pasta water
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Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
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In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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In a bowl or pan, mix ricotta, garlic oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
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Add pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss until creamy.
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Fold in fresh herbs and serve warm with extra Parmesan.
Notes
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Add grilled chicken or spinach for variety
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Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free ricotta as needed
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Best served fresh; store leftovers up to 3 days