Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Name: Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I always crave something fresh and creamy, and that’s exactly what this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta delivers. The tangy burst of lemon combined with smooth ricotta creates a harmonious balance that dances on your palate. As I developed this recipe, I aimed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its quick preparation, allowing me to whip it up for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Trust me, it’s not just a pasta dish; it's a slice of sunshine on your plate.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:43:16.904Z

When I first tried making a creamy pasta with ricotta, I was amazed at how the cheese melted beautifully, creating a velvety sauce without needing heavy cream. Adding lemon zest not only brightened the flavors but also provided an aromatic touch that elevates the dish considerably. I remember serving it to friends at a dinner party, and their reactions made me fall in love with this recipe all over again.

To make this dish even more delightful, I like to finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It not only adds color but brings an extra layer of freshness. When I blend the ricotta with lemon juice, I find that an extra pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, bringing it all together in a way that’s simply irresistible.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy texture that’s incredibly comforting
Bright lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion

      

Elevating Simple Ingredients

The key to achieving the luxurious creaminess in this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta lies in using high-quality ricotta cheese. Opt for fresh ricotta over the pre-packaged variety, as it boasts a sweeter and creamier taste. Additionally, using a good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness of the dish. This choice makes a noticeable difference, not just in flavor but also in the overall mouthfeel. When melting the ricotta with the lemon juice, it should form a glossy texture that binds the pasta beautifully.

To truly make the most of the lemon flavor, employing both the zest and juice is vital. The zest brightens up the dish and enhances the citrusy notes, while the juice adds that signature tang. Make sure to zest the lemon before cutting it for juice; this way, you capture the essential oils in the zest, amplifying the freshness. A microplane grater works best for zesting, allowing you to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the skin.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

When cooking pasta, be sure to salt your boiling water generously. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, and it greatly enhances the dish's overall flavor. Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to soften when tossed with the sauce. If you happen to overcook it slightly, adding reserved pasta water can help you achieve the desired creaminess without making the dish mushy.

I recommend using a large skillet for the sauce preparation; it allows you to easily toss all ingredients together without crowding. Keep the heat at medium to prevent the garlic from burning. If it turns golden too fast, lower the heat right away. The garlic should become fragrant, releasing its oils, and should be just lightly golden, which ensures you'll capture that sweet and savory garlic flavor without any bitterness.

Ingredients

For the pasta

12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Prepare the sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lower the heat.

Combine the ingredients

Add the ricotta, lemon zest, and juice to the skillet. Mix until smooth, then incorporate the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.

Season and serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta can easily be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, then store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and heat them together just before serving. When reheating, a splash of reserved pasta water can help revive the creaminess of the sauce, preventing it from clumping as it cools.

For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce without the pasta. The ricotta sauce can be frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh pasta at the last moment. Be cautious not to overheat, as ricotta can become grainy if it’s heated at too high a temperature for too long.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this pasta shines on its own, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it with the pasta before serving. Additionally, a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes can contribute a sweet burst of flavor and vibrant color. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant finish.

If you're looking for dietary swaps, feel free to use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to accommodate specific preferences. You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter alternative; just blend it until smooth before adding it to the sauce. For a vegan version, use a plant-based ricotta and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, while adding in your favorite vegetable mix for extra nutrition.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well with this sauce!

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it does not contain meat.

→ What can I serve alongside this pasta?

A light salad or garlic bread would complement this dish perfectly.