This lemon ricotta pasta is a quick and creamy dinner made with just five simple ingredients. Ricotta, fresh lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil create a light, silky sauce that coats the pasta without any complicated prep. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s an easy meatless pasta for busy weeknights or a simple spring and summer dinner. Looking for more inspiration? Explore all our easy pasta recipes for dinner.
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Ingredients list for the Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- 1lb (450g) macaroni pasta
- 1-1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 4-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons, zested
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the lemon ricotta pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook al dente, according to package direction. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup of the cooking water.
2. In the same pot, stir together ricotta, olive oil, garlic, and zest of 1 lemon. Add cooked macaroni to the ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, as needed, to loosen the ricotta sauce until creamy.
3. Divide the lemon ricotta pasta among 4 bowls or plates. Zest remaining lemon on top of pasta, add a drizzle of olive oil and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Tips for the lemon ricotta pasta recipe
This lemon ricotta pasta is the perfect spring/summer dish. This lemon ricotta pasta is especially good for spring and summer, with a fresh lemon flavor and a light, creamy ricotta sauce.
- To prevent cooked macaroni from sticking together, wait until the water is at a full, rapid boil before adding the pasta. Then stir the pasta as it cooks, and continue stirring every 2-3 minutes to make sure the pasta cooks evenly without sticking to the bottom.
- Keep the pasta al dente because it will continue to absorb some of the ricotta sauce after everything is combined.
- This recipe also works well with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
How to serve the lemon ricotta pasta?
This lemon ricotta pasta is delicious on its own, but you can add grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for extra protein. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also make an easy side.
What other pasta shapes can we use?
You can use any type of pasta, but we advise you to opt for a short pasta shape that holds well the sauce. Rotini or shells would make great options!
More pasta recipes you might like
- Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
- Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 20-Minute Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta
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