Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This lemon ricotta pasta recipe is the perfect meal when you need a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights. It comes together really quick, only requires a few ingredients, and has a great flavor that is so easy to mix and match with so many other recipes, too.

The only downside to this recipe is that it does not reheat as well as other pastas, so don’t count on it for great leftovers. 

Other simple pasta recipes:

• Homemade Alfredo Sauce
• Thai Basil Pesto
• Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
  

Notes about ingredients needed for this recipe:

This lemon ricotta pasta only requires a few simple ingredients to make. Here is what you need to have on hand:

• Pasta – You need some pasta! Whatever shape you want to use it is fine, I personally like to use rotini or wagon wheels, but any shape you use is fine.
• Garlic – You can use either whole cloves (affiliate link) minced, or use a pre-pureed garlic that you purchase in a pouch. Do not substitute with dried garlic or garlic powder, because it will not add the same flavor or cook the same.
• Ricotta – You will want a good quality whole milk ricotta here. Skim milk ricotta tends to not have as much flavor and can get a grainy texture to it..
• Parmesan – You can use fresh parmesan or pre-shredded parmesan, but do not substitute with the dried parmesan powder, it will not work the same in the recipe. 
• Lemon – You will need both lemon zest and lemon juice for this recipe. For the best flavor, do not substitute with dried lemon zest and bottled lemon juice – you really want fresh here for that great pop of lemon flavor. 
• Basil – This adds a pop of color and favor to the final dish. You can substitute with fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Or leave it off all together. 

Recipe Variations: You can also add sweet peas, a handful of spinach, some roasted broccoli, or roasted and chopped asparagus or other veggies into this pasta after cooking.

How to make this easy pasta 

This recipe is very simple to make! Here is a brief overview of the recipe to give you an idea of how it works. For the full set of directions and measurements, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below!

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Before you drain it, reserve 1 cup of the cooking pasta water for later. You will need this for your sauce, so don’t forget!
2. Drain the pasta and keep the pasta in the strainer while you return the empty pot to the stovetop.
3. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the garlic to the pot, and saute, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant. 
4. Add in the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and  lemon zest and juice. Stir together to create a consistent sauce. Thin out the sauce with half of the reserved pasta water.
5. Add the cooked pasta back to the pan and toss with the pasta sauce to evenly coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I start with ½ teaspoon of each). If needed or desired, you can add a little more pasta water at a time, stirring after each addition, to reach the desired consistency of pasta sauce that you want.
6. Serve immediately. Top with sliced basil leaves and additional lemon zest and parmesan cheese. 

Timing of this recipe

This recipe does not take long to make at all. You need about 10-15 minutes to cook the pasta, and then only about 5-10 minutes after that to complete the dish. The total time it should take you to make this recipe is 25 minutes. 

Prepping ahead of time

This recipe is so quick, that there is not much you need to prep ahead of time. Because the But if you do need it to be even faster, her are some suggestions:

• Pre-grate your parmesan cheese, or buy pre-shredded. Do not use the dehydrated parmesan powder, though.
• Zest and juice the lemon and store covered in the fridge until ready to use.

How to serve this to your family

This pasta makes a great weeknight meal! Serve with simple grilled chicken or pork chops, or with air fryer tilapia or herb crusted chicken. It is also great with a simple side salad, or roasted asparagus or roasted broccoli beside it. 

How to make this kid friendly 

This pasta is a great recipe for kids! It has a creamy texture, a light but lovely lemon flavor, and can be paired with your favorite protein for a complete meal. It makes a great kid friendly dinner. 

Dinner conversations with kids

Get your kiddo engaged with the meal by asking questions like these:

• What do you think about the texture of this pasta sauce?
• Do you think this recipe could use more lemon flavor?
• What else could we make and serve with this pasta for a great meal?

Read more about how to explore the sense of taste with your kids.

Kids in the kitchen: How your kids can help you cook

Inviting kids into the kitchen with us is a great way to help them be more confident in trying new foods.

This easy pasta recipe is great because there are so many simple steps kids can help with.

• Kids aged 1-3 can help you measure ingredients and pick basil leaves off the stems.
• Kids aged 4-6 can do everything above plus helping to slice basil leaves, zesting and juicing the lemon, and stirring together the sauce.
• Kids aged 7-10+ can help you do everything above, plus help you mince the garlic, and cook the pasta.

*Please note that these recommendations are generalized, and to please use your personal discretion with your child’s skill level. And always, always supervise! Read more about how to have your children help you in the kitchen.