A quick and creamy ricotta pasta recipe that’s light, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a cozy pasta night.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 oz rigatoni or pasta of choice
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1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
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1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
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Reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
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In a large bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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(Optional) Sauté garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes. Stir into ricotta mixture.
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Add hot pasta to ricotta mixture. Slowly stir in pasta water until sauce is creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
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Add roasted vegetables or greens for extra nutrition.
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Use gluten-free pasta or vegan ricotta to fit dietary needs.
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Serve immediately for best texture and flavor