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Fresh Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Herb Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring fresh lemon zest, ricotta cheese, and fragrant herbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup (250 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese, the zest and juice of 2 lemons, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Slowly pour in reserved pasta water, about ¼ cup (60 ml) at a time, tossing gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to loosen and coat the noodles evenly. Continue adding pasta water until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
  4. Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Serve immediately, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top if desired and garnishing with extra herbs or Parmesan.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overheating ricotta sauce to prevent curdling. Add pasta water gradually for a silky texture. Season carefully after adding Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, herb pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-creamy-herb-pasta/