Zingy Lemon & Ricotta Pasta Recipe: A Bright Family Hit

Summers call for light, refreshing dishes that dance on the palate, and this pasta with ricotta and lemon hits all the right notes.

Zesty citrus mingles with creamy ricotta, creating a symphony of flavors that instantly brighten your meal.

The simple combination of fresh ingredients turns an ordinary pasta dish into something extraordinary.

Bright lemon zest cuts through the rich ricotta, adding a sparkling complexity to every bite.

Tender pasta catches the silky sauce, ensuring each forkful bursts with tangy, creamy goodness.

Home cooks seek weeknight meals that feel special without exhausting hours of preparation, and this recipe delivers effortless elegance.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired delight that promises to refresh and satisfy in equal measure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Ricotta Pasta

• Zesty Seafood Celebration: Top this pasta with succulent shrimp and bright lemon for a restaurant-quality dinner experience at home.
• Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives over the dish to add color and vibrant flavor profiles.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add extra grated parmesan or crumbled feta on top for more rich, tangy cheese notes that complement the creamy ricotta base.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the lemony, light Mediterranean flavors of this delightful pasta dish.

Storing Leftover Pasta with Ricotta & Lemon

• Quick Batch Prep: Double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Separate protein and pasta if preparing in advance to maintain optimal texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Safely store leftovers in sealed containers for 3-4 days. The ricotta sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creamy consistency.
• Freezing Considerations: Not recommended due to ricotta's delicate texture. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose smoothness when frozen and thawed.
• Lunch Box Friendly: Pack cold pasta for work or school lunches. Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors and prevent dry noodles. Include a small container of extra cheese or herbs for a quick flavor boost.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pasta with Ricotta & Lemon

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that adds delightful oceanic flavor and protein punch; choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed varieties for best taste.
• Olive Oil: Golden liquid that helps sear shrimp beautifully and prevents sticking; select extra virgin for richer taste.

• Pasta: Classic wheat noodles providing hearty foundation; select high-quality pasta for authentic texture.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create silky, clingy sauce; always reserve before draining.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates luxurious sauce base; choose whole milk version for maximum richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese offering deep umami complexity; opt for freshly grated for most intense flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty liquid that cuts through richness and adds refreshing tang; select ripe, juicy lemons.
• Lemon Zest: Intense citrus essence that amplifies lemony notes; use fresh lemons and grate carefully.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds depth; choose freshly ground for most vibrant taste.
• Sea Salt: Pure mineral seasoning that elevates other flavors; select fine or coarse based on preference.
• Italian Seasonings: Herb blend providing Mediterranean warmth; look for mix with dried basil, oregano, thyme.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy kick that adds subtle heat; adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.
• Chives: Delicate green herb offering fresh, mild onion flavor; choose crisp, bright green stems.

Cookware for Ricotta Lemon Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and mixing pasta with sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for tossing and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
• Measuring Cup: Used to reserve pasta water for creating a creamy sauce.
• Grater: Helpful for zesting fresh lemon and creating fine parmesan cheese shavings.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping chives and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Make This Creamy Pasta Dish

• Protein Preparation

Sizzle shrimp in a skillet with olive oil until they transform into a delicate pink hue, creating a tender seafood base for your culinary adventure.

• Pasta Perfection

Bring water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches that magical al dente sweet spot. Capture a cup of starchy liquid before draining – this secret weapon will elevate your sauce’s silkiness.

• Flavor Symphony

Marry the pasta and protein in the same pan, then shower with ricotta, parmesan, zesty lemon essence, and a sprinkle of spices. Use a wooden spoon to create a creamy dance, coating each noodle in a luxurious blanket of flavor.

• Finishing Touches

Transfer the steaming creation to waiting bowls. For those seeking extra indulgence, crown your masterpiece with a drizzle of golden olive oil, a whisper of fresh chives, and a final flourish of cracked pepper and fiery red flakes.

Zest Up Your Pasta: Flavor Tips

• Swap and Play with Flavors
• Trade shrimp for grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed white fish to create your personalized protein twist.
• Mix ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer, smoother sauce that adds luxurious depth to your pasta.
• Chop fresh basil, parsley, or dill instead of chives to introduce vibrant, garden-fresh notes that elevate the dish's brightness.
• Increase red pepper flakes for more heat, or add smoked paprika and cayenne for a complex, warming flavor profile that tingles the taste buds.
• Fold in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to pack extra nutrition and create a more substantial meal.

Silky Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade pasta with ricotta and lemon creates a delightful Italian-inspired dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients blend harmoniously, offering you a fresh and elegant meal that celebrates classic Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp
• 8 oz (226 grams) pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk ricotta cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasonings
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• Chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Shrimp Sautéing: Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently cooking shrimp until they transform into a delicate pink shade, ensuring they remain tender and succulent.
2. Pasta Preparation: Simultaneously, bring a pot of water to a vigorous boil and cook pasta until achieving an al dente texture, following package guidelines while reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid.
3. Sauce Creation: Transfer pasta directly into the shrimp skillet, introducing ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, sea salt, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes, then incorporate reserved pasta water to craft a luxurious, velvety sauce.
4. Final Presentation: Elegantly plate the pasta in warmed serving bowls, embellishing with a delicate olive oil drizzle, additional seasonings, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives to elevate both flavor and visual aesthetics.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved starchy liquid is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to noodles.
• Shrimp Cooking Hack: Watch carefully while sautéing to avoid overcooking; shrimp turn rubbery quickly when heated too long.
• Zesty Flavor Balance: Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, cutting through the richness of ricotta and providing a fresh, vibrant taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg