Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Name: Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g pasta of your choice; 150g ricotta cheese; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta for special occasions or quiet dinners at home. The creamy ricotta melds beautifully with the zesty lemon, creating a dish that’s both bright and indulgent. When paired with al dente pasta, it offers a delightful texture that leaves everyone wanting more. I love how quick and easy this dish is to prepare, yet it feels extravagant enough to impress anyone at the dinner table. Every bite is a celebration of fresh flavors that’s simply irresistible!

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:04:06.179Z

When I first experimented with lemon in pasta, I was amazed at how the acidity brightened the dish. The key to this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta lies in using fresh ingredients that sing with flavor. I learned that adding lemon zest not only enhances the aroma but also deepens the overall taste, making each forkful a delightful culinary journey.

Another tip I discovered is to save a bit of pasta water before draining. This starch-infused water is a game-changer for creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. Combining that with the creamy ricotta and vibrant lemon creates an unforgettable experience, perfect for romantic evenings in!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy ricotta cheese enhances the dish's richness
Zesty lemon adds a refreshing brightness
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute dates

      

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to selecting pasta for your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta, a longer type like fettuccine or spaghetti can enhance the dish's creamy sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully. Alternatively, a short pasta like penne or fusilli can hold onto the sauce in a delightful way. My personal favorite is bucatini, which has a hollow center that traps the sauce, leading to a burst of flavor in every bite. Whatever your choice, aim for high-quality pasta to elevate the dish.

Cooking the pasta to the perfect level of al dente is crucial. This means you should cook the pasta until it is firm to the bite, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. As you cook, keep an eye on the pasta; it should be slightly underdone to ensure it will absorb some of the sauce and remain perfectly textured.

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The vibrant zest and juice of fresh lemons are key players in this recipe. They not only add a refreshing tang but also brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the ricotta. I recommend using organic lemons when possible, as they have more potent flavors. For the best results, zest the lemons before juicing to fully capture their aromatic oils, ensuring your sauce is packed with fresh citrus notes.

Using fresh basil as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but also complements the lemon's citrusy profile. The sweet, slightly peppery flavor of basil brings a lovely complexity to the dish. If fresh basil isn’t available, consider trying flat-leaf parsley or arugula as alternatives, but the flavor will shift slightly.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful experience.

Ingredients

200g pasta of your choice
150g ricotta cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your dish.

Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in ricotta, lemon zest, and juice, mixing well.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta!

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine for an ideal romantic dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy Pinot Grigio to enhance the dish's brightness. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can also complement the pasta well without overwhelming its flavors.

For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled shrimp or chicken to the pasta. Both options bring additional protein and create a balanced dish. Just remember to sauté these proteins in the same skillet as the garlic before adding the ricotta for a cohesive flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ricotta sauce ahead of time. Simply mix the ricotta, lemon zest, and juice, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This will save you prep time when you're ready to cook the pasta—just reheat the sauce gently in your skillet before combining it with the al dente pasta.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it might thicken upon cooling. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until warmed through to prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.

→ Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta is fully vegetarian, making it perfect for meat-free diets.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a boost of protein.