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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Basil

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A quick and easy creamy lemon ricotta pasta that combines zesty lemon, smooth ricotta, and fresh basil for a comforting yet bright meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 cup (240 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 2 medium lemons (about 3 tablespoons juice)
  • ½ cup (about 15 g) fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (240 g) whole-milk ricotta, zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 3 tablespoons juice), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic oil, tossing to coat evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the lemon ricotta mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  6. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if using), torn fresh basil leaves, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss everything together until well mixed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it. Avoid overheating the ricotta sauce to prevent curdling. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the dish. For dairy-free, substitute ricotta with tofu ricotta or almond-based cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used with adjusted cooking times.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, fresh basil pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

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