Lemon Ricotta Pasta

If you want something light, tasty, and easy to make, Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the dish for you. The velvety ricotta cheese and the bright, citrusy lemon zest make a perfect balance. What else could you want in a pasta dish? The ricotta sauce is silky and creamy, wrapping around each strand of pasta in a way that seems rich but not heavy. The lemon, on the other hand, delivers a blast of citrus that quickly lifts the meal and gives it that ideal pop of freshness.

I originally learned about this dish on one of those nights when I had a lot of weird food in the fridge and needed something quick and filling. It only required a tub of ricotta and a fresh lemon to make something that felt wonderful. And wow, did it work! The tart lemon and creamy ricotta made a great contrast, and the spaghetti soaked up all the flavors perfectly. What I like best about this dish is how flexible it is. You can keep it simple with just the ricotta and lemon, or you can add fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, or even roasted vegetables to make it taste even better.

Great for:

Dinners on weeknights
Meals with the family
Get-togethers in the spring and summer
Meals that are quick and easy
People who love creamy pasta

Ten Reasons to Love This Lemon Ricotta Pasta

The lemon gives the dish a bright, zesty flavor that goes nicely with the creamy ricotta.
Smooth Texture: The ricotta makes a sauce that is smooth and velvety and coats the pasta well.
Fast and Simple: This recipe is great for hectic nights because it just takes 30 minutes to make.
Fresh Ingredients: The dish is better since it has fresh lemon, ricotta, and herbs in it.
The lemon’s tanginess and the ricotta’s creaminess are properly balanced, so neither one is too strong.
You may change it up by adding chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for more taste and protein.
Light yet Filling: This spaghetti is filling enough to fill you up but light enough to eat on hot days.
Leftovers: The spaghetti tastes just as excellent the next day, so it’s great for making ahead of time.
A warm pasta recipe that gets a boost from fresh lemon and ricotta.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A meatless choice that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.

Time and Servings

Time: 25 minutes
Time to Get Ready: 5 Minutes
Time to Cook: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: About 400 to 450 calories per serving.
Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt for water

For the Ricotta Sauce:

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 big lemon
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Key Ingredients Explained

Ricotta Cheese: Adds smoothness and a mellow flavor that balances the tart lemon.
Lemon: The fresh zest and juice lend a zesty tang to the sauce.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the sauce without dominating the lemony flavors.
Olive Oil: Creates a smooth consistency for the sauce and enhances the flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large Pot: For boiling pasta and conserving pasta water.
Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the ricotta sauce and tossing the pasta.
Zester or Grater: To zest the lemon and impart fresh lemon flavor.
Tongs: To toss and serve the pasta.
Garlic Press (optional): If using fresh garlic instead of powder, a garlic press works great.

Preparation

Cook the Pasta:

Boil Pasta: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta boiling water for the sauce.
Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Ricotta Sauce:

Mix Ricotta Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Consistency: Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the ricotta sauce. Toss carefully to coat the noodles equally in the sauce.

Serve

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil or parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if preferred. Serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Ricotta: For a creamier and more flavorful sauce, use fresh ricotta instead of store-bought varieties.
Zest the Lemon First: To get the greatest flavor, zest the lemon before juicing it. This ensures you acquire the fragrant oils from the peel.
Pasta Water is Key: Save some pasta water before draining to help thicken the sauce and make it creamier. The starchy water adds richness.
Season in Layers: Season the pasta and ricotta mixture gradually, tasting as you go. Start with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and adjust accordingly.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can improve the dish. Chop and sprinkle them on top immediately before serving.
Upgrade with Protein: For a more substantial supper, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for more taste and texture.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can lend a wonderful finish to the dish.
Lend Garlic: Sautéing a little garlic in olive oil before mixing with the pasta can lend a rich depth to the flavor.
Consider Adding Greens: Spinach, arugula, or peas can be added to the pasta for a boost of color, flavor, and nutrients.
Serve with Grated Cheese: Top the spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to enhance the savory character and add a salty contrast to the ricotta.

Variations

Add Grilled veggies: Toss in grilled veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms.
Lemon Spinach Ricotta Pasta: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
Vegan Ricotta Pasta: Use a dairy-free ricotta replacement for a vegan variation.
Spicy Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chile oil to the sauce for some heat.
Pasta with Chicken and Lemon Ricotta: Add grilled chicken strips to the pasta for a heartier dinner.
Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta: Add more garlic or garlic sautéed in olive oil for an extra punch.
Pesto Ricotta Pasta: Swirl in some pesto for a wonderfully herby flavor.

Serving Recommendations

As a Light Dinner: Serve with a side salad for a refreshing, balanced meal.
With Grilled Chicken: Top with grilled chicken for increased protein and a full supper.
With Shrimp: Pair with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
For a Brunch Dish: Serve this pasta as a lighter choice during a brunch gathering.
As a Side Dish: Serve as a side to accompany your favorite roasted meats.
With Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for a delicious and savory supper.
As a Meal Prep: Make this recipe ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.
With Roasted veggies: Add roasted veggies, like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, for added taste and texture.
As a Picnic Dish: Pack it up for a quick, no-fuss supper on a sunny day.

FAQ

Can I use different varieties of pasta?: Yes, you can use any sort of pasta you prefer, from spaghetti to penne.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to toss them together right before serving.
Is it okay to freeze the leftovers?: You can freeze the pasta for up to a month, but it’s tastiest when it’s fresh.
Is it possible for me to prepare this without dairy?: Yes, you can use a dairy-free ricotta instead of the ricotta.
How can I make the sauce thicker?: To thicken the sauce, you can reduce the pasta water or add additional ricotta.
Can I add additional herbs?: Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, or even a little of dill would work great in this recipe.
Can I add a protein to this dish?: Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beef bacon would be excellent additions.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?: Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Can I serve this with a sauce on the side?: You can serve this pasta with a little cream or pesto sauce on the side for variety.

Summary

Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a light, creamy, and refreshing pasta that mixes the silky richness of ricotta cheese with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. The ricotta provides a silky sauce that clings to the pasta, while the lemon gives a burst of freshness and acidity. This recipe is ideal for times you want something satisfying but not too heavy.

To make it, simply toss your cooked pasta in the ricotta and lemon combination, adding a splash of pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for more flavor, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds the richness. This pasta works well as a main dish or a side, and you can mix it with grilled vegetables or your favorite protein.

I can’t wait to see how your Lemon Ricotta Pasta turns out! Be remember to post your images on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your gorgeous creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!