Description
A bright and creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with fresh peas, combining tender pasta with zesty lemon, smooth ricotta, and savory Parmesan. Perfect for a light yet satisfying vegetarian main course, this dish is simple, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Peas: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the fresh or frozen peas to the pot. Once done, drain the pasta and peas, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and the sautéed garlic with its oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a creamy, lemony sauce base.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the hot drained pasta and peas into the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding small splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley if using. Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use whole-milk ricotta cheese for the creamiest texture.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
