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one pot creamy ricotta lemon pasta recipe

One Pot Creamy Ricotta Lemon Pasta

Sofia RussoSofia Russo
A quick and delicious one pot creamy ricotta lemon pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 zester
  • 1 juicer
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta of choice such as linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Reserved pasta water as needed
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Zest and juice the lemon, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Measure out the ricotta cheese.

Cooking

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  • Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serving

  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs. Pair with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to regain creaminess.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the creamiest texture, use high-quality ricotta and freshly grated Parmesan. Adjust the lemon juice to your taste preference.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use cream cheese or mascarpone if ricotta is unavailable. Red pepper flakes can be added for heat.
How to Serve: Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp white wine complements the dish well.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the ingredients in advance to save time on busy evenings.
Keyword creamy pasta recipe, lemon ricotta pasta, one pot creamy ricotta lemon pasta