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creamy lemon ricotta pasta recipe - Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

creamy lemon ricotta pasta recipe made easy at home. A bright, velvety pasta that comes together in 25 minutes with fresh lemon, creamy ricotta, and a garlick
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta room temperature
  • 2 large lemons zested and juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan plus more for serving
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt plus more for pasta water
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves torn, plus more for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Return the skillet with garlic oil to low heat. Add the drained spaghetti and toss to coat in the oil. Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss quickly, adding pasta water a few tablespoons at a time, until a silky, thin sauce clings to each strand.
  5. Remove from heat. Fold in torn basil leaves, then divide among bowls. Top with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.