Description
Lemon ricotta pasta is one of those simple, fresh dishes that feels effortlessly Italian. Made with creamy ricotta, fresh lemon, and a handful of greens, this no-cook pasta sauce comes together in minutes. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for an easy summer dinner.
Ingredients
500 g (1.1 lb) rigatoni or penne
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
1 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
Zest and juice of 1-2 lemons, to taste
1-2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 garlic clove, finely grated with a microplane
1/2-1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
2 cups baby spinach or baby arugula
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, optional
Fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously season pasta water with salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
While the pasta cooks, add the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and grated garlic to a small mixing bowl. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then stir until smooth and well combined.
Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set it aside.
Drain the pasta. Add the pasta and ricotta mixture back to the pot and combine.
Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir. The heat from the pasta will loosen the ricotta and Parmesan, creating a creamy, glossy sauce. Add more pasta water as needed until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.
Fold in the baby spinach or arugula. The residual heat from the pasta will wilt the greens just enough without overcooking them.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, black pepper, lemon juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
Divide between bowls and finish with extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Fridge: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Gently reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 692
- Sugar: 4.1 g
- Sodium: 701.6 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 97.6 g
- Protein: 31.4 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg
