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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a dish that perfectly marries comfort with sophistication, making it a staple for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. Its creamy texture, bright flavors, and simplicity come together to create a meal that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly quick to prepare. With the right ingredients and a few essential techniques, you can whip up this delightful dish in under 30 minutes, impressing friends and family alike.

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Discover the irresistible Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta, a dish that combines comfort and sophistication in just 30 minutes. Fresh ricotta cheese lends a smooth texture, complemented by the vibrant zing of lemon. Perfect for both quick weeknight meals and elegant dinner parties, this pasta dish features simple techniques and quality ingredients that ensure every bite is a delight. Elevate your cooking and impress your guests with this delicious and easy recipe!
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Ingredients
  

300g spaghetti or fettuccine

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 lemon (zest and juice)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Additional grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden but not burnt.

      Incorporate Ricotta: Reduce the heat to low and add the fresh ricotta cheese to the skillet. Cook for about a minute, stirring gently to warm it up and achieve a creamy texture.

        Add Lemon: Stir in the zest of the lemon and the freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing until the ingredients are well incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the glowing ricotta lemon sauce in the skillet. Gently toss the noodles to ensure every strand is coated in the creamy mixture. If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired level of creaminess.

            Finalize and Serve: Once well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and give everything another gentle toss to blend. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkling of extra grated Parmesan on top.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in warm bowls, drizzling with a touch of olive oil and a twist of lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.