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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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A quick and easy homemade dinner featuring creamy ricotta, fresh lemon zest, and herbs, perfect for light and satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste (plus 1 tablespoon for pasta water)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (20 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts/4 liters). Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice of 1 large lemon.
  4. In a bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Slowly mix this into the lemon-olive oil mixture in the skillet.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
  6. Stir in chopped basil, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  7. If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup (20 g) finely grated Parmesan on top and toss once more.
  8. Transfer pasta to warm bowls and garnish with extra herb leaves or lemon zest curls. Serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to noodles. Let ricotta sit at room temperature before mixing for smoother texture. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Add fresh herbs off heat to preserve brightness. Toss pasta gently to avoid breaking noodles. Reheat leftovers gently with added water or broth to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, fresh herbs, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, light dinner

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-with-fresh-herbs/