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Quick Lemon Ricotta Pasta dish with fresh herbs and lemon zest

Lemon Ricotta Pasta Quick

A delightful and quick pasta dish featuring creamy ricotta and fresh lemon, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

  • 6 ounces short pasta (like penne or fusilli) Choose your favorite shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Opt for high-quality ricotta for the best texture.
  • 1 medium lemon (zest and juice) Use the yellow part of the peel for zest to avoid bitterness.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty and savory depth to the dish.
  • to taste Salt Ensures that all the flavors pop.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  • Add your short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta.

Preparing the Sauce

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
  • Whisk together until smooth and creamy.

Combining the Dish

  • Once pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the bowl with the ricotta mixture.
  • Pour in the reserved cooking water.
  • Toss everything gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Notes

Serve with a green salad or garlic bread. For a fancier presentation, top with black pepper and extra Parmesan.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, Quick Pasta, Weeknight Meals