Description
A creamy and zesty pasta dish that combines ricotta cheese and fresh lemon for a delightful one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add olive oil and minced garlic directly to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat, and stir in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let come together gently.
- Drain a bit of pasta water, reserving about half a cup, and add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir vigorously to coat each piece in the creamy sauce, using reserved water to loosen if needed.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Make-ahead enthusiasts can prep components in advance for convenience. Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a fresh twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pasta, lemon, ricotta, one pot, Italian, vegetarian