I love varying the types of pasta sauce we have each week, and this fresh and lemony one is an easy option we can’t get enough of. With a simple stir-together sauce that’s seriously creamy, it’s a perfect vegetarian main dish or easy side. You can stir baby spinach into this pasta to wilt, or stir in frozen peas to thaw and warm. Add some fresh tomatoes for flavor or enjoy it plain. It’s great so many ways! (If you have leftover ricotta, you may also like my Ricotta Meatballs, Lemon Yogurt, Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes, Ricotta Pie, and my Ricotta Cheesecake.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this easy pasta recipe. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you prefer here. We typically use this cheese sauce with fettuccine or linguine. Ricotta cheese: Whole-milk ricotta cheese is sold near the cottage cheese and sour cream in grocery stores. It’s thick with very small curds and has a fresh flavor that pairs so well with lemon. Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and saltiness to the pasta, which is delicious! Butter (or olive oil): A little butter or olive oil helps ensure the mixture blends easily into the pasta noodles. Lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest—I use a fine microplane to remove just the yellow zest of a washed lemon—adds a hit of fresh flavor that’s so delicious. Minced fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper, are optional for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this lemon ricotta pasta recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and timing.
How to Store
You can make the lemon ricotta sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to incorporate any liquid that’s separated (which naturally occurs with ricotta cheese). To reheat leftover pasta with sauce, sprinkle with a little water and cover a heat-safe bowl or plate with wax paper or a damp paper towel. Warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. (The water helps loosen the pasta, which will firm up when cold.)
Best Tips for Success
Ladle out some of the pasta water before you drain so you have it set aside and ready to use. Use whichever type of pasta your family prefers. If using gluten-free pasta, you can use stock or broth instead of pasta water to smooth out the sauce. Stir in 5 ounces baby spinach to the warm pasta to wilt to easily add a veggie.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Easy Pasta with Summer Squash
Favorite Toddler Pasta Recipes
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Easy Avocado Pasta
