Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Spice up your weeknight dinners with this mouthwatering Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it also takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights!

two bowls of lemon ricotta pasta on wood surface with napkins.

Honestly, I could eat pasta every night for dinner. I think that in another lifetime I was born Italian because I can’t get enough of this cuisine.

With spring here and summer making its way, I thought it would be smart to create a lighter pasta and this lemon ricotta pasta is the winner! As I mentioned above, this dish is so easy to make. It’s also completely customizable so you could try topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, roasted vegetables, etc. Serve it with a bountiful side salad and dinner is complete.

I love experimenting with unique pasta dishes here on Inspired by Charm. I’ve shared over a dozen pasta salad recipes and several pasta dishes you’ve all come to love such as this chicken apple sausage one-pan pasta or my seafood lasagna.

I hope you’ll love this one just as much as I do. (You may also love my Lemon Asparagus Pasta recipe too!)

close of of lemon ricotta pasta in a pan.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy

7 Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

It’s a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. The combination of tangy lemon and creamy ricotta creates a rich and luxurious flavor that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
It’s quick and easy to prepare, thus making it a great option for busy weeknights. In under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
This recipe is versatile and can be easily modified to suit your tastes. Add your favorite veggies and proteins or experiment with different herbs and spices to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

hand with fork into a bowl of lemon ricotta pasta.

Ingredients

To make lemon ricotta pasta in under 30 minutes, you’ll need to first gather your ingredients. Luckily, the list is short and sweet.

pasta*
olive oil
ricotta cheese
freshly grated parmesan
lemons
kosher salt
ground pepper
red pepper flakes
chopped fresh herbs (parsley and basil)

*The pasta I used for this recipe was a fun noodle I stumble upon online. (I can’t seem to find it anymore.) You’re welcome to use the same, but cavatappi would be a perfect store-bought substitute.

ingredients for lemon ricotta pasta on a countertop.

How To Make

I will walk you through the process of making this delicious pasta dish. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain pasta while reserving one cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and spread it across the pan. Add the ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add ½ cup pasta water. Cook and stir for about one minute. Add the cooked pasta and stir to evenly coat. (Add more pasta water as needed.)

pasta in pan on top of lemon ricotta pasta sauce.

Top with chopped herbs, red pepper flakes, additional parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy!

And it’s that easy. You’re done and ready to enjoy this delicious and vibrant pasta recipe. This would be delicious served with a glass of homemade sangria!

lemon ricotta pasta in a bowl with a fork.

Recipe Variations

Now that you have the basic recipe for making lemon ricotta pasta, you may be wondering how you can switch up the dish to add some variety. Here are some recipe variations to try out:

Add Protein: If you’re looking to add some protein to this dish, consider using cooked chicken, shrimp, or even grilled tofu. Simply cook your protein of choice separately and toss it in with the pasta and sauce before serving.

Add Greens: For a more veggie-heavy version of this dish, add some sautéed spinach or kale to the pasta before serving. You can also add some chopped cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra pop of flavor.

Add Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers make a great addition to this pasta dish. They add texture and more nutritional value to the meal.

Add Heat: If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding additional red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the pasta for some extra heat. Be sure to taste as you go to avoid making the dish too spicy.

Use Different Pasta: You can switch things up by using penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

By trying out different variations of this recipe, you can keep things interesting in the kitchen and find a version that’s perfect for your taste buds.

lemon ricotta pasta in a bowl on a napkin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may affect the overall taste and creaminess of the dish.

Can I substitute another citrus fruit for the lemon juice?

I recommend sticking with lemon here. Other citrus fruits like lime, orange, and grapefruit won’t pair well with the other flavors in this dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemon ricotta sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Cook the pasta right before serving and mix it with the sauce.

In just a matter of minutes, you can create a dish that will make your taste buds sing. This lemon ricotta pasta recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also packed with flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

More Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy

I hope you’ll try making this easy and delicious lemon ricotta pasta. It’s such a refreshing pasta dish. I know you’re going to love it. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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