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ricotta spaghetti recipe

Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A quick and delicious Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti recipe perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Mixing Bowl for combining sauce

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

Ricotta Sauce

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, add some reserved pasta water to the ricotta mixture to reach your preferred consistency.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the ricotta sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan if desired.

Storage

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon to taste.
Ingredient Substitutions: Try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor.
How to Serve: Pair with a light salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Best consumed within three days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate until needed.
Keyword creamy ricotta pasta, lemon pasta recipe, ricotta spaghetti