Name: Irresistibly Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe: Creamy & Quick Comfort Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz Pasta (choose your favorite shape; gluten-free pasta works wonderfully too); 15 oz Whole-milk Ricotta Cheese (or substitute with plant-based ricotta for dairy-free option); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (essential for sautéing garlic); 2 cloves Garlic, minced (adjust based on your love for garlic); ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (use vegan Parmesan for dairy-free twist); 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (brightens the sauce); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh lemons truly make a difference); ½ cup Pasta Water (key for achieving silky sauce); Salt, to taste (for seasoning); Black Pepper, to taste (for seasoning); ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (for a little heat); ¼ cup Fresh Basil (great for garnish); 2 cups Baby Spinach (to stir in at the end for wilted greens)

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Introduction

This irresistibly easy ricotta pasta is a creamy, comforting dish you can whip up in no time. With simple ingredients and a bright touch of lemon, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

A white speckled bowl filled with short, tube-shaped pasta in a light yellow color forms the base layer. On top, there is a thick layer of creamy white sauce covering some pasta pieces, sprinkled with fine grated cheese giving a slightly grainy texture. Scattered on the sauce and pasta are small black pepper flakes and a few fresh green basil leaves placed centrally for decoration. The bowl sits on a soft gray cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (choose your favorite shape; gluten-free works wonderfully too)
15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese (or plant-based ricotta for a dairy-free option)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust based on your preference)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free twist)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Optional: ¼ cup fresh basil for garnish
Optional: 2 cups baby spinach (stir in at the end)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Stir in the ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until combined into a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 5: Season with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. If using, stir in baby spinach now to wilt it slightly.
Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
Incorporate baby spinach or other greens to boost nutrition and color.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
Reserve pasta water carefully; it’s essential for creating a silky, smooth sauce.

Storage

Store leftover ricotta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently on the stove to restore the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A bowl of yellow rigatoni pasta is coated with a creamy white sauce, piled high in the center. The pasta pieces are large, ridged tubes, and the sauce appears thick and smooth, covering most of the top layer. A light sprinkle of grated cheese and black pepper is scattered across the surface, adding texture and contrast. Bright green basil leaves are placed on top, providing a fresh pop of color. The white bowl with dark speckles sits on a soft, light-colored cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella or cream cheese can work in a pinch, but fresh ricotta and Parmesan give the best creamy texture and flavor balance.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Use the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. The starchy water helps create a smooth, silky sauce.