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Italian Lemon Ricotta Pasta for Two

A creamy, lemony pasta dish that is quick to make, perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Cozy Meal, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Small Batch Cooking
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 600kcal

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

  • 6 to 7 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any twisty shape like fusilli) Use what you have.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Use fresh grated for better melting.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup ricotta Whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter Olive oil keeps it light, butter adds comfort.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced or grated super fine.
  • 1 lemon zest Essential for real lemony flavor.
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice Adjust to taste.
  • Salt to taste Make sure to salt the pasta water.
  • Black pepper to taste Generous amount enhances flavor.
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water This is your sauce saver.

Optional Add-Ons

  • Baby spinach, peas, arugula, chopped basil, or capers Add to customize your dish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just done.
  • While the pasta cooks, stir ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, and pepper in a big bowl.
  • Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Cooking

  • Add the hot drained pasta straight into the bowl. Toss, then add pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce turns silky and coats everything.
  • Taste and adjust with more salt, lemon juice, or pepper as necessary.
  • Serve right away with extra Parmesan and a little more lemon zest on top if desired.

Notes

Keep the sauce smooth by using warm pasta water and adjust lemon juice to taste. For a fuller meal, add proteins or vegetables as desired.