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Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe
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This Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe is a comforting, quick-to-prepare dish featuring creamy ricotta cheese, fresh herbs, and bright lemon notes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a balanced blend of smooth texture and vibrant flavors, easily customizable with veggies, proteins, or herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti)

Ricotta Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (fresh)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for sautéeing garlic)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Additional Flavoring

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or chives), chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
  2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors meld together perfectly.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with garlic and toss briefly. Stir in the ricotta mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand without overpowering it.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and fold in freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, then adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce while keeping it creamy and smooth.
  • Use fresh ricotta for the best fluffy texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firmness when combined with sauce.
  • Add lemon juice and zest gradually to adjust brightness to taste.
  • Toast garlic lightly to prevent bitterness and achieve a perfect golden hue.

Nutrition

Keywords: ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, gluten free pasta

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/easy-ricotta-pasta-recipe/