There's something magical about the combination of ricotta and lemon, creating a dish that's both light and creamy with just the right amount of zest. This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the perfect blend of fresh flavors and indulgent texture, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

I first made this recipe on a whim, trying to use up some ricotta in my fridge, and it quickly became a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it's my go-to when I want something comforting yet refreshingly bright.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's as easy as it is delicious. This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta has everything you need for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. With minimal prep and a simple sauce that comes together in minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

It's also budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like pasta, ricotta, and lemon means you get gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.

Plus, this dish is customizable. Whether you want to add veggies, swap in whole wheat pasta, or incorporate protein, the possibilities are endless.

The best part? It’s light yet indulgent. The ricotta creates a luscious creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces, while the lemon adds a bright, refreshing touch.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish is in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of creaminess and zest.

Pasta forms the base of this recipe. I love using spaghetti or fettuccine because they hold onto the ricotta sauce beautifully. But if you prefer something shorter, penne or rigatoni work just as well.

Ricotta cheese is the star of the sauce. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the best texture and creaminess. If you only have low-fat ricotta, it will still work but won’t be quite as rich.

Lemon brings the dish to life. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness that cuts through the creaminess, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Avoid bottled lemon juice—it won’t give the same fresh, vibrant taste.

Garlic enhances the depth of flavor. A couple of cloves minced into the sauce make a world of difference, adding a subtle savory note to contrast with the lemon.

You’ll also need olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to round out the dish. A little reserved pasta water helps achieve the ideal sauce consistency.

How To Make This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Making this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is as simple as can be. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water—this will help create the perfect sauce consistency.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot and immediately add the ricotta mixture. Stir well, allowing the warmth of the pasta to slightly melt the ricotta into a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish by stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra olive oil for added richness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This pasta stores well and reheats beautifully.

For the best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil when reheating will bring it back to life.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta make great additions to turn this into a heartier meal.
Incorporate veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus add color and nutrients while complementing the lemony flavor.
Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick to balance the creaminess.
Use different cheese: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier finish.
Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep this dish celiac-friendly.

However you choose to customize it, this Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!