Description
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a bright, creamy, and effortlessly delicious dish that combines the zestiness of fresh lemon with the smooth richness of ricotta cheese, elevated by Pecorino cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly using simple ingredients, making it a refreshing and satisfying pasta option.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 16 oz. bucatini or spaghetti
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 oz. Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
Oils & Citrus
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Garnish (Optional)
- Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini or spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, extra-virgin olive oil, grated Pecorino cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the ricotta sauce mixture to the cooked pasta along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well, adding more pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and evenly coats the pasta.
- Serve: Divide the dressed pasta among serving bowls. Drizzle with additional olive oil. Top each portion with extra grated Pecorino cheese and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves if using. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using spaghetti instead of bucatini, cook until just al dente to avoid overcooking when tossing with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to emulsify and thicken the sauce due to its natural starch content.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely herbal brightness to the dish.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Lemon Ricotta Pasta, Italian Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Vegetarian Pasta, Quick Dinner
