Description
A quick and easy creamy ricotta pasta recipe that delivers a luscious, comforting Italian dinner in just 5 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is creamy without heavy cream and versatile for various add-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, toasted pine nuts, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and olive oil. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, and lemon zest. Slowly add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce and create a creamy coating. Stir gently until combined and heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Tear in fresh basil or parsley leaves and stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Do not overheat the ricotta to avoid graininess. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve perfect consistency. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Salt pasta water well for seasoning. Fresh herbs enhance the dish. Parmesan adds essential savory depth. Customize with optional add-ins like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or protein.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: creamy ricotta pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner, ricotta cheese pasta, weeknight dinner, 5-minute pasta