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Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Discover This Creamy Delight!

Lemon Ricotta Pasta | Creamy, Zesty & Ready in 20 Minutes

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A creamy and refreshing pasta dish featuring ricotta cheese and zesty lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  5. Add the ricotta cheese to the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine.
  6. Grate the Parmesan cheese into the skillet and mix it into the ricotta until smooth and creamy.
  7. Zest the lemon and add the zest to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it into the ricotta mixture.
  8. Juice the lemon and add the juice to the skillet, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.
  9. Season the ricotta mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  10. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
  11. Drain the pasta, making sure to shake off any excess water.
  12. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ricotta mixture, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
  13. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
  14. Once the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy, remove the skillet from the heat.
  15. Stir in the fresh chopped basil to add a burst of color and freshness.
  16. Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional basil if desired.

Notes

  • To ensure the sauce is creamy, make sure to stir the ricotta mixture continuously while adding the lemon juice.
  • Reserve extra pasta water in case the sauce needs more thinning.
  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor, and add it at the end to maintain its bright color.
  • For extra richness, try adding a small dollop of mascarpone or cream to the ricotta mixture.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice or zest according to taste.

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