Irresistibly Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe: Creamy & Quick Comfort Recipe
This irresistibly easy ricotta pasta recipe offers a creamy, quick comfort meal perfect for any night. Using simple ingredients like whole-milk ricotta, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon, it creates a luscious, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a foolproof dish that can be customized with greens like spinach and spices like crushed red pepper flakes, making it ideal for a satisfying, homemade dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (choose your favorite shape; gluten-free pasta works wonderfully too)
For the Sauce
- 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)
Optional Additions
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the whole-milk ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing everything together until it forms a rich, creamy sauce.
- Adjust Creaminess: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water while stirring until you achieve your desired silky texture for the sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and if using, the crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy ricotta sauce.
- Optional Add-ins: If desired, stir in baby spinach now and cook briefly until wilted. Alternatively, garnish the plated pasta with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve Warm: Plate your Easy Ricotta Pasta while warm and enjoy this comforting dish immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute whole-milk ricotta with plant-based ricotta for a dairy-free or vegan option.
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the ricotta.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference to avoid overpowering the delicate sauce.
- Optional add-ins like spinach add a nutritional boost and vibrant green color.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Keywords: ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, quick comfort food, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta
