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Bowl of creamy ricotta pasta topped with black pepper and fresh basil, perfect for a quick and easy dinner idea.

Creamy Ricotta Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Ricotta Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy nights. Tender pasta is tossed with a rich, creamy ricotta sauce, fresh lemon zest, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s light, flavorful, and perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese full-fat preferred
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water plus more if needed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  4. Add hot pasta to the ricotta mixture. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
  5. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.