Homemade Lemon Ricotta Pasta – Light and Creamy Pasta Dinner
The Best Lemon Ricotta Pasta combines tender pasta with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh lemon, garlic, and Parmesan for a bright and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until tender with slight firmness. Reserve pasta cooking liquid and drain.
2. In a large bowl combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Add hot drained pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture.
4. Pour in a small amount of pasta cooking liquid and toss until creamy.
5. Continue adding pasta water as needed until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.
6. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Finish with chopped parsley or basil and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Adding pasta cooking liquid gradually helps create a silky sauce. Spinach, peas, or grilled chicken can be added for variation.