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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Creamy Citrus Bliss in 20 Minutes

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a quick and elegant dish, combining creamy ricotta and zesty lemon in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Opt for whole milk for perfect texture.
  • 1 each Lemon (Zest & Juice) Choose organic to keep things fresh.
  • 1 clove Garlic (grated) Using a Microplane will melt it seamlessly.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil A high-quality oil elevates flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Pecorino Romano can be a substitute.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti Linguine or bucatini are alternatives.
  • 2 tablespoons Coarse Sea Salt Essential for seasoning pasta water.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil over high heat.
  2. While the water heats, combine whole milk ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated garlic, and olive oil.
  3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
  4. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.
  5. In the ricotta sauce, pour in about 1/4 cup of the hot reserved pasta water and mix until smooth.
  6. Drain the cooked spaghetti, then add it back to the pot and pour the sauce over it, tossing to coat.
  7. Adjust the sauce's consistency by adding reserved pasta water until creamy.
  8. Fold in Parmesan cheese and adjust salt as needed before serving.
  9. To serve, plate the pasta in warmed bowls, topping with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 20gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Quality ricotta creates a creamy sauce; always reserve pasta water for the best sauce consistency. Avoid rinsing pasta after draining.

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