Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Name: Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 large lemon (zest and juice); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta for a quick dinner that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The creamy ricotta blends with fresh lemon juice to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It's a delightful balance of rich and zesty flavors that transports me to warmer days. I often pair it with fresh herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This dish can easily be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to weeknight meal in my kitchen.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:37:23.722Z

This creamy lemon ricotta pasta has become one of my family’s favorite meals. I initially tried it as a way to use up some leftover ricotta cheese, and I was blown away by how simple yet delicious it turned out. The brightness from the lemon zest combined with the creaminess of the ricotta creates a mouthwatering sauce that pairs beautifully with your pasta of choice.

One of my best tips for achieving the perfect texture is to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining the noodles. This starchy water can help to create a silkier sauce as you mix everything together. Plus, feel free to add any veggies or proteins you have on hand to make it more hearty!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty flavors that awaken your palate
Creamy texture that envelops each pasta strand
Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights

      

The Star Ingredient: Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is the backbone of this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Its creamy texture not only adds richness but also serves as the perfect canvas for the lemon's zesty flavor. The freshness of ricotta ensures that the sauce is light and bright, balancing out the heaviness that can sometimes come with creamy pasta dishes. For the best flavor, choose a high-quality, whole milk ricotta, which will melt beautifully and cling to the pasta without being too runny.

To enhance the dish's overall taste, consider using homemade ricotta if you have the time. The process is straightforward—just curdle milk, drain it, and season. This freshness makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture, elevating your pasta to a new level. If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative, you can use part-skim ricotta, but keep in mind the sauce's creaminess may be slightly reduced.

Perfecting the Sauce

The sauce for this pasta comes together quickly, making it a foolproof option for busy weeknights. Combine ricotta with freshly grated Parmesan and the juice and zest of a large lemon in a mixing bowl. It's essential to zest the lemon first to capture all of its flavorful oils. If you skip this step, you might miss out on the aromatic depth that zest brings to the sauce. Make sure to mix well until the cheese is smooth and creamy.

It's also important to adjust the sauce's consistency with reserved pasta water. Start with a couple of tablespoons of the starchy water, whisking it into the sauce until you achieve a velvety texture that coats the pasta easily. Don’t hesitate to keep adding more water if needed; the goal is a glossy sauce that holds onto the pasta without becoming soupy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this dish is delightful on its own, you can amp up the flavor and texture with some creative enhancements. Consider tossing in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or asparagus for added nutrition and color. If you're feeling adventurous, add some sautéed garlic or shallots for more depth. Another great addition could be sun-dried tomatoes or olives, which would introduce an umami punch that complements the lemon beautifully.

For extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. This will create a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. Additionally, if you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, cook your pasta and let it cool before mixing with the sauce. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat everything together on the stove with a splash of olive oil or a bit of pasta water added to revive the creamy consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your creamy lemon ricotta pasta:

Ingredients

12 oz pasta of choice
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large lemon (zest and juice)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy lemon ricotta pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the ricotta sauce in the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your delicious creamy lemon ricotta pasta!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating some sautéed garlic or spinach into the sauce. You can also substitute the ricotta with a blend of mascarpone and cream cheese for a different texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta makes an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the ricotta sauce and cook the pasta a few hours in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep the pasta from becoming mushy and the sauce fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, just combine them over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to adjust the sauce’s texture.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed for up to three days. Simply reheat gently in a pan with a dash of olive oil or water, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. You might find that the flavors deepen after sitting for a day, making leftovers just as delightful as the fresh dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making creamy pasta sauces is separation, especially if the mixture gets too hot. To prevent this, keep the heat low when reintroducing the sauce to the pasta, and avoid boiling. If separation does occur, adding a splash of hot reserved pasta water can help bring it back together by emulsifying the fats in the sauce.

Another potential pitfall is a bland flavor profile. If the dish tastes one-dimensional, try seasoning with additional salt, lemon zest, or even a splash of vinegar to brighten it up. Remember, tasting as you go is key in adjusting the flavors to your preference.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, whether you're cooking for two or a larger group. Simply adjust the measurements of the ingredients proportionally, keeping in mind that fresh herbs like basil can be adjusted to taste. For every additional person, increase the pasta and ricotta slightly, but try not to overdo the sauce ingredients to ensure it maintains its creamy consistency.

If you're planning to make a large batch, consider cooking the pasta in two pots to ensure even cooking. Also, when combining everything, make sure all components are heated to the same temperature before tossing them together, which will help integrate the flavors more seamlessly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape, including spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! You can use vegan ricotta and omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or a light salad pairs beautifully with this pasta for a complete meal.