Description
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels elegant yet effortless, this creamy lemon ricotta pasta is exactly what you need. It’s a bright and satisfying dish that combines silky ricotta cheese, zesty lemon, and peppery arugula for a fresh twist on classic comfort food. Perfect as an easy dinner, quick lunch, or healthy pasta idea.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon zest and juice
2 cups fresh arugula
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Season lightly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook garlic until fragrant, then add red pepper flakes.
4. Add pasta to skillet and toss with garlic oil. Reduce heat.
5. Stir in ricotta mixture and gradually add pasta water until creamy.
6. Fold in arugula and let it wilt slightly.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
8. Serve immediately with Parmesan and olive oil.
Notes
Use high-quality ricotta for best texture.
Reserve pasta water for a silky sauce.
Add arugula at the end to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg