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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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This lemon ricotta pasta comes together in about 15 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. The zesty lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta cheese and nutty Parmesan for a delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 16 oz. rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2–3 cups arugula/spinach
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • Kosher salt
  • fresh cracked pepper

Garnish

  • julienne cut basil
  • Parmesan cheese
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, just until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Toss pasta with olive oil and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
  3. Add shallot along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute.
  4. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
  5. Add ricotta, most of the shredded Parmesan (reserving a few tablespoons for garnish), lemon juice and zest, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
  6. Cook, stirring frequently until the Parmesan has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add arugula and heavy cream and cook over medium-low heat until the arugula wilts. 
  8. Then add cooked pasta and about 1/2 of a cup or so of pasta water. Toss to coat evenly. Add more pasta water to thin the sauce as needed. I usually use almost the whole cup because I like it real saucy.
  9. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with Parmesan and basil and enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

  • Moderately salt your pasta water! Add 2-4 tablespoons of Kosher salt to the large pot of water just after it comes to a boil and before adding the uncooked pasta. This is your first chance to season the pasta and it will boost the overall flavors of the dish!
  • Use this recipe as a blueprint and add your family’s favorites! Some of our favorites include cherry tomatoes, wilted kale, leftover grilled chicken, smoked salmon, sauteed mushroom and onion, or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://midwestfoodieblog.com/lemon-ricotta-pasta/